Thrift Stores in Tyler: Time to Find Treasures!
Drive around most midsize cities and you’re bound to see a handful of thrift stores or secondhand shops dotting the region’s landscape. Tyler, TX, is no exception. As consumer interest in sustainability and frugal living increases, secondhand and thrift stores in Tyler are seeing an influx of shoppers looking for the next best deal, while helping keep thrifted gems out of the landfill.
Secondhand and Thrift Stores in Tyler Are Popular
“With such great consignment stores and estate sales in Tyler, secondhand shopping has been popular in our community for quite some time,” says Sharon Wynne, owner of The House of Wynne, an eclectic shop featuring antiques, home decor and one-of-a-kind gifts in Tyler. “Shopping secondhand provides the opportunity to purchase better quality items at a more affordable price.”
The House of Wynne sells antique and vintage furniture and collectibles and has experienced a rebirth of young shoppers over the years. As Wynne explains, there is a trend to mix new and antique furniture or collectibles as a way to create your own look.
“Each home should be a reflection of your personality and be meaningful to you. No cookie-cutter interiors,” Wynne says. “We love to help customers find the perfect pieces to start collections.”
Now in its eighth year of business, The House of Wynne features 18 small-business owners who offer an eclectic mix of products that appeal to today’s consumer.
A Unique Style
Nicole Crisp, owner of Blue Bird Antique Mall & Treasure Shoppe in Tyler, says antique and vintage shopping is also an extremely fun way for friends and family to get together to treasure hunt.
“It has been a wonderful domino effect of friends and family spreading the word about how thrilling this industry is,” says Crisp, whose shop plays host to over 65 local family-owned boutiques with curated collections of antiques, vintage and new treasures.
From home decor, clothing, books, apothecary, paint and much more, Blue Bird Antiques offers a little bit of everything.
“Customers are interested in items that are one of a kind to add to their unique sense of style,” Crisp says. “They are looking to curate their homes themselves with items that no one else will have. And not only are you supporting your local, independent ‘mom and pop’ shops, you are also purchasing history and items that will last you a lifetime, and most importantly, are uniquely one of a kind to fit your style.”
Finding a Purpose
Brianna Harden, owner of Velvet: A Vintage Collection, opened her shop in 2020 along with former co-owner Olivia Montgomery.
“I was very involved in vintage clothing and resold on platforms such as eBay, and my co-founder, Olivia, had the passion for mid-century decor and furniture,” Harden says.
So, the friends combined their knowledge and drive for success with the idea to open a brick-and-mortar shop. “Velvet is unique because it is the only shop in Tyler that exclusively sells vintage goods,” Harden says.
A trend that Harden says she has noticed is the resurgence of Y2K fashion, especially in the streetwear department, including wide-leg jeans, graphic T-shirts, jerseys and NASCAR clothing.
“Everything you could possibly need on this earth has already been made. Buying new is just contributing to the trillions of pounds that are already in the landfills across the nation and world,” she says.
“I can’t speak for everyone but when I shop secondhand, I feel like I’m personally saving the items from the doom of the landfill and in return saving the planet one secondhand item at a time.”
Wynne believes secondhand shopping will continue to grow as more options become available for the consumer. “The younger generations are definitely interested in the sustainability of thrifting,” Wynne says.
“As business owners, we need to continue to promote it by showing customers how to make the most of the secondhand options. Some of the best secondhand shopping in Tyler benefits local nonprofits, so it is a win-win for our community.”
Get to Know Tyler
Want to learn more about living and working in Tyler, TX? Check out the new edition of Livability Tyler, Texas.