We’ve all heard the new buzzwords for collecting antiques and being thrifty. Today we say “repurpose or recycle.” I love them. It’s all the craze finding an old treasure and turning it into a collectible or personal gem. I have a great group of women that join me on my quest for treasures and we almost always negotiate price. In a short time we have found several interesting and unique shops to explore. Therefore, this is a part one to a two part article series.
Antiques
Whether it’s the coveted, colorful demijohns or a Bavarian shrunk, you will definitely enjoy the search in Stuttgart. Some store owners take a great deal of pride in finding a hidden gem and sharing the story with you. And of course, these items usually have a price tag, but most shop owners will negotiate the price a little bit.
Thrift Stores
I love shopping at thrift stores because most of the time whatever I am looking for is probably there for a fraction of the price. My parents were very conscientious about reusing and recycling, so I was raised this way. I heard many times, “Someone’s junk is someone else’s treasure.” No, I’m not a hoarder. So when one item comes in, a few more go out. It is absolutely amazing what you can find at a thrift store. As a matter of fact, our Patch SCSC Thrift store is rated one of the best thrift stores in Stuttgart.
Shop Local
We have found visiting some of our favorite shops every few weeks yield better results in finding what you like. Take the time to get to know the store owner. Once they build a rapport with you, they will make it their mission to find that special piece you desire. Some stores look like your grandmother’s house, while other stores are organized in stations. Make sure to be on the look out, because I have missed a lot just perusing through too quickly.
Resources
A chat with your German neighbor or a new friend may lead to the best places to find some great deals in Stuttgart. The internet is also helpful. The article Get Your Antiques and Collectibles On! can help you differentiate between collectibles and antiques. Flohmarkets or Flea Markets are a really fun way to find treasures as well and my friend Janice wrote this on the weekly Flohmarket in Stuttgart.
Stores We Visited
- Boblinger Flohmarkthaus
Schafgasse 3, 71032 Boblingen
- GV
Silberburgstrasse 93-95, 70176 Stuttgart
- Antiques & More (Store Owner, Benno Bobritz)
Schlossstrasse 66, 70176 Stuttgart
- Wolf-Angel Molline Antiques & More
Maybachstrasse 53, 70469
- Femos Mobelhalle
Hanns-Klemm Strasse 31, 71034 Boblingen
- FairKauf
Steiermarker Strasse 53, 70469 Stuttgart
Parking can be tricky downtown Stuttgart, but three of these stores are very close to each other. If you take the S-Bahn to Feuersee station, you are close enough to walk. Unless, of course, you buy something quite large.
Author’s Profile: Wendy Payne is a military spouse and lives with her family in Stuttgart. She is a freelance writer, blogger and photographer. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, yoga and sharing Europe with people.
