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Posted by Lysa Miller, guest blogger of Ladybugz Interactive Agency

In some way or another, what’s old can always become new again. The emerging trend of consignment stores exemplifies this fact.

Consignment stores are a new breed of antique and used furniture stores offering much more variety than traditional antique stores of the past.  In the old days, antique storeowners went to auctions and bought pieces to resell, having to dish out money in inventory. Consignment shops, on the other hand, pay consigners when the items sell, allowing them to stock their stores with a multitude of items they believe will sell.

So, whether you’re seeking something new for the house or gift shopping during your stay in MA, here are some consignment antique stores worth checking out. Happy Antiquing!

Crompton Collective – Worcester
Crompton Collective

Photo: Crompton Collective interior

The Crompton Collective in Worcester’s Canal District is the perfect example of a more “new age” antique store, a hybrid of antiques, crafts and refurbished items. Located in the basement of the historic brick Crompton Building on trendy Green Street in the midst of restaurants and bars, this shop offers something for everyone.

The expansive space is leased out to vendors who sell antiques, unique crafts, refurbished furniture and vintage collectors items, such as sports memorabilia, dishes, lamps and random decor. Each vendor takes time to stage his/her space, giving the place an over feel of design to inspire what buyers will purchase. It’s definitely worth heading over to The Collective to take a look around and see these beautiful displays!

HOT FINDS: painted vintage/shabby chic-style bureaus in many colors, along with an assortment of painted accent furniture. For an inside look at what’s happening at Crompton Collective, take a peek at their Instagram feed.

Off the Common Antique MarketplaceGrafton

Photo Credit: Off the Common Antiques

Off the Common Antiques is located right off of the Grafton Common. Off the Common Antiques

is filled with over 45 vendors that individually find antiques and unique items. Not only does Off the Common Antiques offer antiques, some individuals even handmade items. These handmade items include jewelry, quilts, soaps, stained glass, and more. Because of this, Off the Common Antiques is truly packed with interesting pieces for your home or lifestyle.

Off the Common Antiques is not only a lovely store, it has a rich history. Off the Common Antiques actually used to be a gas station. Right when you walk in, you are greeted with a lovely homey feel. Even pets are allowed!

Off the Common Antiques is a wonderful day trip itself. However if you are in the area for some time, some excellent restaurants on the Grafton Common are within walking distance. To learn more about Off the Common Antiques, check out their profile on Discover Central Massachusetts.

HOT FINDS: wonderful homemade items like soap or quilts, beautiful furniture sets in excellent condition, all for a reasonable price

Vintage RetrieverHolden

Photo Credit: Vintage Retriever

Located right on Main Street in Holden, The Vintage Retriever prides itself on finding unique items to suit your everyday needs. The Vintage Retriever is special in that it offers timeless antiques that won’t “go out of style” so to speak within a few years.

The Vintage Retriever offers quite an assortment of items. From rustic dining tables to soap dispensers or mugs, The Vintage Retriever has something for everyone. Not only does The Vintage Retriever have lovely offerings inside their building, the storefront is absolutely adorable. Their storefront is beautifully decorated with greenery and the string lights inside are visible from the street. Such a warm and welcoming atmosphere is created inside and out at The Vintage Retriever.

HOT FINDS: timeless rustic bureaus and coffee tables in many styles and colors, along with a few unique antique chests

Hunt & Gather Vintage Market Princeton

Photo Credit: Hunt & Gather Vintage Market

Just minutes south of Mount Wachusett and only 20 minutes from Worcester, Hunt & Gather Vintage Market offers sensational vintage pieces. With over 40 vendors, Hunt & Gather has a variety of vintage goods to choose from. Hunt & Gather labels itself as a vintage market because they have such a plethora of goods being offered. You can find anything from a cute succulent to one-of-a-kind furniture.

Hunt & Gather is situated in a historically charming brick building that actually used to be home to an antique auto museum. Not only does Hunt & Gather exude with charm, they also hold functions on their property. They offer many special holiday events, and some are even kid friendly! Hunt & Gather will definitely provide a lovely experience for any of their customers.

HOT FINDS: one-of-a-kind furniture, and an apothecary on the property with herbs and teas

Canal Street Antique MallLawrence

Photo Credit: Canal Street Antique Mall

Around 40,000 square feet, Canal Street Mall has a huge selection of fine antique dealers. Found in Lawrence, The Canal Street Antique Mall has over 120 permanent vendors. This was really intriguing, as most other antique markets in the area often have temporary vendors. The Canal Street Antique Mall prides themselves on not only providing may antiques, but good quality items.

The Canal Street Antique Mall is run out of an old mill building. Inside you will find all kinds of treasures, with defined isles for neatness. This charming atmosphere both inside and out definitely adds to the lovely antique hunting experience.

HOT FINDS: uniquely designed bureaus, charming old artifacts like typewriters, and interesting statement pieces, perfect for home decor

Avenue C DesignFramingham

Photo Credit: Avenue C Design

Avenue C Design is truly one-of-a-kind in a variety of ways. First off, Avenue is located on a dairy farm (Eastleigh Farm) in Framingham. Run by a mother and daughter team, Avenue C is a family business. Avenue C is not only a vintage goods shop with multiple vendors, they also offer graphic design and sign painting services.

As you walk through Avenue C’s trademark electric blue doors, you will be greeted with class and elegance. From the carefully placed items within the store to the statement piece of a front door, Avenue C creates a unique yet inviting vibe.  From unique candles to refurnished vanities, Avenue C has a great selection of items for everyone. Avenue C even offers handcrafted items!

HOT FINDS: handpainted signs, elegantly refurnished bureaus, and locally handmade pottery

Great Barrington Antiques CenterGreat Barrington

Photo Credit: Great Barrington Antiques Center

Located in Great Barrington, The Great Barrington Antiques Center is a 5,000 square foot shop full of fantastic antiques. The Great Barrington Antiques Center is comprised of multiple antique dealers and staff that are knowledgeable about all things antiques.

As you drive up to The Great Barrington Antiques Center, you’ll be greeted by a stylish storefront made of glass panels. You’ll be able to peer through the window and see the effortlessly clean layout of The Great Barrington Antiques Center. The fact that this antiques shop tries to be as clutterless as possible, really highlights the quality and expertise of the shop.

HOT FINDS: vanities and dressers in multiple colors from several different eras, and extravagant paintings

Lysa Miller is a Massachusetts-based writer whose work covers notable local businesses around the state. Follow her on Twitter @lysapreneur.

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