Embrace vintage shopping for unique gifts and nostalgic finds that add a special touch to your holiday season.
There’s a thrill that comes with uncovering hidden gems at a vintage store; it’s the dose of dopamine and the faint memories of what life was once like. The anticipation builds as shoppers sift through collections of delicate depression glass made in the 1920s-1930s or thumb through clothing racks searching for thick, non-stretch cotton and vintage denim. Some are drawn in by the smell of old books or the sight of vintage sports memorabilia that have transcended generations. Vintage stores bring forth nostalgia and excitement with every familiar toy, trinket, or treasured oddity.
It is not new news that thrifting is trendy. According to industry data, it might be here for the long haul. Capital One Shopping research reported that the resale industry has grown by 400% since 2018, and traditional thrift and donation has grown by 21.1%. Global Data estimated that the total resale market in the United States was roughly $175 billion in 2023.
Some items found at vintage stores still hold their market value, such as the collectible vintage PYREX, while other items have sentimental value. Whether shoppers are looking for that next prized item or just looking for some retail therapy, the vintage stores around Jefferson City have a little something for everyone. Thankfully, Jefferson City is the go-to destination in Central Missouri for those looking to give unique and thoughtful gifts. With nearly 20 local businesses, including pop-ups, catering to collectors, thrifters, and vintage enthusiasts alike, shoppers can find a treasure trove of vintage items this holiday season.
Going into her fifth year as the owner of J Street Vintage, Lizzie Lou Harlan sees the market continuing to grow and evolve, even with various economic factors. When Lizzie comes across discarded items, she sees a world of possibilities. “So many things that people trash still have so much life left in them,” she says.
While some shop for repurposed items because it’s beneficial, others do it for the thrill of the hunt. It might be searching for another plate, cup, or piece of silverware to complete a passed-down heirloom set from a relative’s collection; or it could be seeking the perfect piece of patio furniture to complete a newly furnished sunroom. The excitement comes from never knowing what might be found.
In recent years, inflation has increased the price of many household items, especially the price of quality furniture. Thrifting locally and shopping second-hand allows shoppers to obtain quality furniture and house decor at an affordable price. The perfect piece of furniture may be harder to come by than most decor and kitchen items, but Le Bee Marché has made a point to show people the benefits of refurnishing second-hand pieces for the home.
“I often find that the piece talks to us,” says Jill Bed-nar, of Le Bee Marché and Southbank Gift Company.
Her monthly pop-up shops at Le Bee Marché feature incredibly unique, rare, and creative furniture, all refurnished by Jill herself. As a longtime retailer for Annie Sloan, she utilizes her access to high-quality paints, finishes, and decoupages to bring new life to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Jill pours her energy and love into each piece and displays her pieces as a carefully curated collection.
“It may be hard work, but when it is also heart work, it makes it OK.”
Le Bee Marché is not the typical vintage experience, but Jill is excited to offer more ways to shop for items with more life left to live.
For those who enjoy shopping extensive collections of vintage and new items simultaneously, Dogwood Vintiques on Missouri Boulevard has more than 150 vendors who curate their own booths. Established in the 1980s as the first antique mall of its kind in the region, Dogwood Vintiques is a staple for Missouri antiquing. After many years of interactions and connections as a vendor at the antique mall, Cheri Willet knew how important it was to have a location for vendors and visitors alike, leading her to purchase the business with her husband in 2019.
“There is so much joy to be found in connecting with these items from the past,” Cheri says. “The older we get, the more we start to value these items and connect with our history through them.”
Just like in the past, these pieces still make great gifts despite not being presented with the original box or packaging. Items like colorful glassware, old board games, and vintage jewelry forge an appreciation for days gone by. Instead of gifting generic goods, which can be quite costly, more people are selecting something personal and intentional while making an economically and environmentally conscious choice, giving an intricately carved wood serving tray or even a carefully kept beaded clutch. Gifting these items for occasions year-round ensures that joy and history are celebrated in new ways for years and possibly even generations.
Antique Resale Shops
ANTIQUARIUM
Comics, books, action figures, and statues
504 E. High St.
(573) 636-8995
BUTTERFLY TREASURE HOSPICE BOUTIQUE
Clothing, accessories, and home décor
721 Jefferson St.
(573) 616-2327
CALVARY’S GIFT
Household items, clothing, and home décor
722 Jefferson St.
(573) 659-8176
CAPITAL CITY COMICS
Large selection ofnew comic books
719 Jefferson St.
(573) 302-1888
CLICK2SELL4U & KAY’S COLLECTIBLES
Antiques, furniture, electronics, tools, appliances, glass, and more
620 E. High St.
(573) 418-4754
COTTER PIN CELLAR
Antiques, Fiestaware, furniture, home décor, and Amy Howard paint
1500, E. McCarty St.
(573) 635-2382
DOGWOOD VINTIQUES
Home décor, vintage items, Missouri Made products, clothing, and accessories
1415 Missouri BIvd.
(573) 636-5636
DREAMS TO REALITY & RESALE BOUTIQUE
Women’s clothing and accessories
500 Jefferson St.
(573) 681-9675
H.O.B. BIN STORE
Overstock, shelf pulls, returns, and liquidation items from large retailers
15505 Business 50 W.
(573) 893-2015
IN THE GROOVE RECORDS
Records, CDs, and stereo equipment
708 Jefferson St.
(573) 893-5910
J STREET VINTAGE
Antiques, vintage clothing, accessories, and online auctions
708 Jefferson St. (573) 257-7894
K’S CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Women’s/maternity clothing, accessories, and small home décor
722 Jefferson St.
(573) 659-7446
MIMI’S VINTAGE & GIFTS
Antiques, gifts, and home décor
(573) 616-4179
OUT OF TIME COLLECTIBLES
Vintage toys, comics, antiques, music, art, and more
1128 Jefferson St.
SHOP GIRL
Antiques, DIY workshops, and home décor
106 Boonville Rd., Ste. C
(573) 338-0606
THE SNOB SHOP EXCHANGE
Men’s and women’s clothing and accessories
1404-B Missouri Blvd.
(573) 616-1390
YELLOW MOON ANTIQUE MALL
Antiques, collectibles, and furniture
508 Broadway
(573) 893-6627
Seasonal & Pop-Up Shops
HCJ RECLAIM
Second and fourth Saturday of each month
Architectural salvage, doors, windows, mantles, and more
Event Dates & Details:
fb.com/hcjsalvage
601 E. High St.
(573) 462-0224
LE BEE MARCHÉ
One-of-a-kind, curated treasures and classic furniture
Event Dates & Details:
fb.com/lebeemarche
108 E. High St.
(573) 659-4438
SOUTHSIDE MARKET
Fourth Saturday monthly
Vendors and live music in the Old Munichburg shopping district
Event Dates & Details: fb.com/southsidemarketjcmo
100 E. Dunklin St.