How's the thrift store scene in Tampa? (hoa, retire)

[spark]

Hey.... I bet you guys could do garage sales all year round! Here in Calgary, Canada, where I live now, we just have a few weeks of vigorous yard sale activity in the summer time, and then we don't want to set foot out the door for the other ten months of the year.

I don't get out very often (just a few times a year for doctor things) but I nearly always manage to treat myself to a half hour in a thrift store when I do. Do you guys have thrift stores in Tampa? How about antique malls? What I like about thrift stores is that you never know what you'll find - and it's always a bargain! I call it cheap entertainment with prizes. What's your best find so far?

Thanks, Tampans!
(( )) Shannon
P.S. Are you called Tampans?

[tampaguy03]

there are at least 6 thrift stores in South tampa alone, and also many consignment shops. the only time i actually visit these places is before halloween, and to drop off stuff i dont use anymore.
antiques in south tampa are mostly located on el prado avenue near manhatten, some on howard avenue, and also on henderson near swann ave. i dont do much antique shoppping wither, but have seen many in the area.

[alexander59]

I do garage and thrift stores all year around, but it too is seasonal here, not much from now until March. I have noticed, and many people that I know that the pickings are not what they used to be., Salvation Army and Goodwill have experts and auctions for the good stuff. I have also found that where the place is staffed by mostly volunteers not much available. A lot of people sell on ebay and get better prices than at a garage sale. I do well looking for nice furniture and clothes and occasionally an antique but not like I used to. The flea markets are mostly dealers, who know the values, still are fun and a lot of them going on this time of year.
I have also found that by the time people who move to Florida they get rid of all the old baggage, furniture, heirlooms, before they move it here. Time to downsize why bring it.

[le_baroque]

In short, AWESOME. I pride myself on finding antiques and vintage items and FL is one of the best places to find these in thrift stores. Why? when the retired people pass away, it seems alot of thier stuff gets tossed into thrift stores- stuff they've been hoarding for 50 years. I've found some great treasures.