Out with the new, and in with the old. Every day, it seems that thrift stores are becoming a more avant-garde venue for shopping. And here in Gainesville, students and residents alike are lucky to have access to stores beyond the common man’s Goodwill. In fact, we’d go so far as to say Gainesville’s got a vintage selection that’s the Rolls-Royce of second-hand-shop selections. Peruse the merchandise at these retailers and you’ll be sure to snatch a find that’s one-of-a-kind. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Loop de Loop
205 NE 16th Ave.
Created by a mother-daughter duo, this extraordinary shop opened its doors in February 2003. The mother, the late Roberta Kline, was the first female mayor of Gainesville. Different from other vintage boutiques, it’s also a gift shop offering art, trinkets, comics, vinyl records and handmade crafts. “Most people come for the gifts. Many of the things here are one of a kind from their era,” said employee Perry Der. With reasonable prices on rare finds, this shop is definitely a Gainesville gem with items that allow customers to relive their childhoods and help them recall simpler times.
Cecile’s Consignment Shop
2131 NW 6th St.
This is the supermarket of Gainesville thrift stores. But instead of free food samples at the front of the store, there are stands of reasonably priced vintage jewelry. Vintage and antique pieces are labeled, making it easy to spot items for sale. From clothes and purses, to furniture and houseware, to collectables and knickknacks, Cecile’s has it all. “I don’t think there’s anything I don’t have here,” said owner Cendra Gier, “except electronics because I can’t guarantee them.”
Flashbacks
509 NW 10th Ave.
With a name like Flashbacks, one would expect stepping into the store to be like stepping into a time machine. In 1985, when the store opened, its inventory contained more vintage pieces than today. But as time passed, that changed. Today, while the shop still sells blast-from-the past clothing, it’s also a consignment shop. “At the end of the semester, everyone comes here to sell their clothes,” said the owner’s daughter, Tatum Nichtberger.
Persona
201 SE 2nd Place
In the heart of downtown Gainesville, this little vintage boutique packs a big punch. Downstairs, one can find a myriad of vintage pieces and new items, and upstairs, there’s a plethora of collectibles to choose from. Persona offers costume rental for events — something other local vintage shops don’t seem to have. “We also work a lot with local artists,” said owner Nava Ottenberg. Her design collection, Sleepwalk, is sewn locally and sold in the shop. But be prepared to drop some cash. The items are certainly unique, which might justify the higher price tags. But rest assured: There will be no “who wore it best.” Your hard-earned cash will go toward an outfit that is exclusively yours, proving you to be one of a kind.
