Toronto Antique & Vintage Market

The Toronto Antique & Vintage Market was at the Enercare Centre this past weekend.  This time it was my moms idea to go.  Before we went in we thought that if we liked this year we would bring the old man next year.  The parking under the venue was a plus.  

By the time we were halfway through we knew there was no way on Earth that would ever happen.  First of all, Dad is a no-nonsense direct to the point kind of guy who would have been mildly upset about the way the show has organized it's vendors.  If he attended this show it would be for the antiques.  He's not going to spent more than five minutes wandering among the so called vintage booths until he finds the next antique dealer.  It's just not going to happen. 

The Toronto Antique & Vintage Show organizers should also consider the fact that many people attending this show are of an age where walking is difficult.  They should have the antiques in one section and vintage in another.  It's a long slog through the whole show if you are only looking for the sprinkling of antique dealers throughout.

Alternatively, let me give you a time saving, and money saving tip. Go directly to your nearest thrift store.  Do not stop/shop at the Toronto Antique & Vintage Market.  In all likelihood the item/s you would be coveting, and debating about spending a small fortune on at this show, have made a pit stop at a second hand shop.      

The "dealer" likely picked up the item at a their nearest thrift store (Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Value Village).  Antique and vintage dealers have great relationships with their area second hand store.  Often getting deals below the sticker price on items they are interested in.  Why do you think they are so willing to bargain?  They got it dirt cheap haggling with a store clerk..        

Do a little bargain hunting for yourself.  You won't have to pay admission at your area thrift store.  So, technically you'd already be saving yourself some of that hard earned cash.

***After thought *** - Do any of the organizers wander around the show to ensure that items are actually vintage or antique as the name would imply?  At one point I heard a vendor telling a potential customer that an item was not the universally accepted 20 years old (for vintage) but likely just ten.  Taking into account that there were also very few items that would have qualified as antique (at least 100 years old) maybe they should just rename the show the Toronto Vintage Collectibles Show.  Just sayin'.