focus at all of these shops, there are always lots of home décor and home goods on offer. Some notable local nonprofit examples include A2nd Chances Thrift Store which supports a women’s prison program that benefits recently released parolees. The Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store devotes its profits to helping local animals in need. Some thrift stores are distinctly well organized, clean and orderly (the Hospice of Marion County thrift stores are an example); others are more of a jumble. For many shoppers though, treasure hunting is part of the “thrill of the chase,” so they are happy to root through boxes or hunt and pick, hoping to discover a hidden gem. It just depends on your own shopping style and preferences. Thrift stores can also be independently owned and operated, and whether or not the items are curated depends upon the store’s owner and management. That’s So Shabby That’s So Chic, for example, is a light and bright, curated shop (complete with a charming feline greeter named Tootsie who will distract you from shopping by insisting on playtime) with refurbished and hand-painted vintage
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furnishings and stylish vignettes, and items organized by style and color palette. Brother’s Keeper, in their expanded store now on 14th Street, has even more donated furniture that can be purchased by shoppers and also is available free to needy clients given vouchers from the agency. Antique stores, of course, offer valuable vintage and authenticated antique items. If you’re looking for something along these lines or have a specific item in mind—say, a Danish modern coffee table from the 1950s—an antique store is probably the best place to start your search. Many stores like this use a vendor booth model and have different sellers with displays in the store that are changed out periodically. What’s fun about these places is that some vendors specialize in a certain era, style or theme. While it would be a monumental task to list all the shops and stores that fall under the pre-owned sales banner, we’ve assembled a list of some of the standouts, by area, to help on your next treasure hunt. We’d also love for you to share your favorites with us on social media—be sure to tag #OSHome2020 when you do.
Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store 110 NW 10th St Ocala (352) 732-8424 This charity-based store is consistently brimming with a wide variety of household items and some furniture at low prices. They offer some new/closeout merchandise as well.
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Habitat Ocala ReStore 926 NW 27th Ave Ocala and 10800 SW 91st Ave Ocala (352) 401-0075 All kinds of household items and some building supplies at good prices. A great mix of merchandise that turns over quickly and changes daily.
The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store 120 NW 10th St Ocala (352) 732-7058 Another charity-based shop with a true mix of all kinds of household items and furnishings. Good variety and low prices.
Ocala Antique Mall & Estates 4425 NW Blichton Rd Ocala (352) 624-2511 A great source for truly unusual antique and vintage items. The curated mix of merchandise, in a variety of styles and eras, is offered by various vendors/dealers and well priced for the market.
Brother’s Keeper Thrift Store 320 NW 10th St Ocala (352) 732-7988 Recently relocated from its former downtown location, the store has much more room for furnishings, home décor items and housewares, as well as the other items. Good low prices and a great cause.
That’s So Shabby That’s So Chic 3602 NE 8th Pl Unit K Ocala (352) 694-2778 Offering painted furniture, reclaimed items, and how-to painting classes, this cheery shop carries a great selection of home furnishings and décor, collectibles and new gift items, all curated with care at good prices.
The Finicky Flamingo 640 NW 27th Ave Ocala (352) 867-0537 Light and bright with themed furniture and home décor as well as upcycled shabby chic items. Curated with care, reasonable prices, and a distinct vibe.
Legends Vintage Goods 3305 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala (352) 299-5400 Housed in a former bar, this shop has multiple dealer booths with an eclectic mix of home décor items, some small furniture items, and a funky assortment of vintage finds at reasonable prices.
The Carriage Trade 2005 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala (352) 369-9298 This consignment store has been serving the Ocala area for decades, offering a carefully curated selection of home Fe b r u a r y ‘ 2 0
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