Post #367604 by Howland on Mon, Mar 17, 2008 9:38 PM

I have a theory, and I don't think I'm alone on this:

Look for thrift shops nearest older, affluent neighborhoods. Neighborhoods that harbor older folks who when were younger had money to take NICE vacations, within the US or abroad. The key part about them being older neighborhoods is that these folks are probably scaling down their souvenirs from days past to get rid of what may now be considered clutter to them. Souvenirs from visits to old Florida or Cali or even places overseas (vacations taken in the 40's, 50's 60's). I've had much better luck in areas like this than say, Poe Mill, SC (yes, that's really a place-a tiny mill town with a tiny thrift shop--lotsa wheel chairs--did these people learn to walk again and donated their wheelchairs to the thrift store?). Same with estate sales--I went to an estate sale last year in downtown (way old-school-big money Chaaaalston, sc) that had the most incredible collection of books (on S. Pacific mythology, legends and arts/crafts), souvenirs, vintage wicker items/furniture, Easter Island items, huge collection of antique glass fishing floats, rare shell collections, large sea turtle shells, giant clam shells--I could go on for awhile--definitely world travelers. My wallet sucked badly that day, though, dammit!

Do your demographic research for your neck o' the woods and see what you can find--no guarantees-but worth a shot.