By Braeden
Now I know it’s counter-intuitive to expect the hippest items second-hand venues have to offer from a place you’d expect to look like the inner bowels of your grandparents closet, but don’t be quick to dismiss the St. Lawrence Antiques Market. The Antiques Market is held every Sunday from 5am to 5pm in the North Market (directly across the street from the regular St. Lawrence Market). Just like any antique shop, there is a lot of over-priced junk you couldn’t pay someone to buy. However, if you’re willing to take a leisurely stroll over Sunday coffee with a friend you’re bound to stumble upon plenty of steals.
Besides, it’s always a great opportunity to work on your bargaining skills. The later you go the better the deal you’re likely to get. Even if you’re not up to haggling, just picking up an item and looking at it hesitantly is enough to warrant a half price offer from a vendor. Later in the day, the vendors are especially eager to rake in some last minute sales.
Now I know it’s counter-intuitive to expect the hippest items second-hand venues have to offer from a place you’d expect to look like the inner bowels of your grandparents closet, but don’t be quick to dismiss the St. Lawrence Antiques Market. The Antiques Market is held every Sunday from 5am to 5pm in the North Market (directly across the street from the regular St. Lawrence Market). Just like any antique shop, there is a lot of over-priced junk you couldn’t pay someone to buy. However, if you’re willing to take a leisurely stroll over Sunday coffee with a friend you’re bound to stumble upon plenty of steals.
Besides, it’s always a great opportunity to work on your bargaining skills. The later you go the better the deal you’re likely to get. Even if you’re not up to haggling, just picking up an item and looking at it hesitantly is enough to warrant a half price offer from a vendor. Later in the day, the vendors are especially eager to rake in some last minute sales.
What are some good deals to be found? For starters they have an amazing selection of old cameras ranging from $10 - $60. One vendor gave me a break down of each camera: strengths, weaknesses, what works, what doesn’t. A good place to start if you’re looking to take up a new hobby or find the perfect birthday present. The same vendor also had an amazing selection of black and white prints of historic Toronto.
So maybe you’re not really into vintage photography. Throughout the entire market there are piles of jewelry (3 for $5 bins a plenty), movie posters, decorative items, pocket knives, binoculars, watches, records (most of which are in pristine condition and very reasonably priced), house wares, kitchen wares, furniture, instruments, fabrics, blankets, belts, fishing gear, cigar boxes, etc… You’re also likely to find something utterly ridiculous, making your browsing experience far more entertaining than one you would have in a shopping mall.
If you’re looking to furnish or decorate an apartment, the Antiques Market is the perfect place to find chairs, dressers, trunks, and tables. Not only is a lot of the furniture hand-made, the majority of it is the same price, if not cheaper than what you’d find at Ikea. It’s also furniture you’ll only ever have to buy once given the high quality of the material they’re made out of.
The Antiques Market isn’t just for the niche lovers of Victorian era loveseats, but rather a great place to find unexpected bargains on everyday items. You can pay less for cool stuff you’re friends won’t have. They should call it the “Uniques Market”. Not Funny? I didn’t think so. Regardless, whatever you buy is likely to far outlast any mega-store purchase. Plus you’ll also be doing dear ol’ Mother Earth a solid favor by buying second hand. So for your next lazy Sunday, put $5 bucks in your pocket and make a date of it. You won’t regret it.
St. Lawrence Antiques Market
Every Sunday 5am – 5pm
North market, St. Lawrence market, 92 Front Street East
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