Post #367684 by Brandomoai on Tue, Mar 18, 2008 7:37 AM

Thrift stores in trendy areas are either over-priced or always seem to be picked over. This is true about any kind of thrift store purchases. Until I started looking, I figured Tiki paraphernalia would be particularly elusive where I live. But I've found quite a few treasures so far. My prognosis is this: antique malls/stores, flea markets, and trendier thrift shops tend to cater to collectors and charge way more than most of these things are worth (case in point: the Libbey Moai mug for which I paid about 5 times its worth). Thrift stores in poorer areas or areas with little foot traffic seem to yield the best finds, either because people aren't looking for this stuff (unless Sweet Daddy Tiki beats me there!) or they don't get to the out-of-the-way stores. Garage sales can be great, but you have to hit a lot of them to find anything good. In theory, at least. I never find anything good. Well, that's my two cents.