I went to the boot market yesterday for the first time since last autumn and boy was I surprised. Ok, so it was a nice, sunny day and that always draws the crowds but it was BIG. Twice it’s usual size and there were more people than I’ve ever seen there before. Far more. Like more than double the number. That’s a lot of people. The car park had been extended but even that wasn’t enough - cars were parked along verges for a good few hundred yards or so on either side of the road too.
Another thing I noticed was that a lot of the stall holders were asking more for their stuff than they previously had. Not huge amounts, but a pound rather than 50p, that sort of thing. Some were taking the p**s though… £2 for a chiffon scarf? I don’t think so.
I managed to get myself a few bits that I’m really happy with. A lamp for the guest room when it’s eventually decorated (this summer some time), a little white cotton summer blouse, a belt, a scarf (not the one to two quid, I hasten to add), a spider plant and four necklaces. All in all I spent £6. Can’t grumble at that. LM got herself a really pretty dress for £3.50 too. One of those handy ones that you can just chuck in a weekend bag and it comes out uncreased. And that dries in no time, too. She was pleased :)
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that the recession is sending more people in the direction of car boot sales. People wanting to make a few bob by getting rid of their unwanted stuff and others hoping to bag a bargain rather than pay full whack in the shops. Reusing… wonderful :)
And the fact that my fashion conscious daughter (albeit, not a strict follower of high street fashion) can find stuff she likes there is proof that it’s not all tat at the boot market. Far from it. Half of my home and wardrobe has come from car boot sales and I’m not ashamed to admit it, either.
Cross fingers it’s nice weather next Sunday and I’ll be off bargain hunting again. No doubt a good few of you will be doing the same :)
Sharon J xx
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23 comments have been left:
I too used to love the carboot market in our local area (you know the one) but I have found that people are trying it on with the prices.
I have now found two fab little charity shops not too far away where I can pick up some lovely items at great prices. For example a beautiful Per Una corduroy bag nearly brand new for £2 :)
I completely agree with you on the "tat" issue, in fact you tend to find that some items have been bought in haste and not even used at all!
Anyway that people can recycle no matter where or how can only be a good thing in my book.
Most of my wardrobe has come from car boot bargains and charity shops. I have no shame about it, more pride than anything, I love to give a new home for something it's owner has no further use for. Up in Nottingham we haven't found a rise in prices but there are definately more carbooters.
Margaret
ps:glad to see you posting, missed you
I am the same. I love second hand stuff. I like the bargain but also the saving of waste & destruction. Lastly I like the quality you can get. I am thinking second hand oak furniture for the same price and MFI laminate. My mum said all my children clothes came from CBS when they were little. Her secretary thought it was some upmarket store!
Lizzie
i can testify that both you and LM are v stylish, so if you shop at boot fairs, wow, well done!
i get all my clothes from ebay these days (being a shortie, lots of regular shop clothes don't fit me), plus
a) i hate buying what's in high street fashion/what the people in this small town like to wear;
b) prices - shops are mad, even so-called bargain shops are often quite expensive (oh how i miss the primark i used to live near)
c) it's way more environmentally-friendly to buy secondhand or at least the shop purchase someone else decided they didn't want
do you know if yard/table top sales work? as you know, boyfriend & i need to get rid of lots of stuff, including furniture, so we were thinking of a yard/table top sale at our home.
Hi Sharon
Sounds like you had some real bargains. Its nice to just pay a fraction of the price as well as reusing what people dont want I say.
So sorry to hear about your dad too.
x Dom
I love carboots, and went to my first one of the year on Sunay. I got some really nice old gardening books and a really nice camera for a fiver! Can't ask for more really.
I'm so glad you got yourself a pretty good bargain. I envy you because we don't have that kind of stuff in my country. I went once though when I was still in Canada, and it was great. And the recycling part ... thumbs-up!!
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This boot market idea sounds so fun that I am thinking of organizing one in my community! lol! How fun!
British expressions are always hilarious, "taking the P**s". Haha. Chip Chip Cheerio Guvnr
Hi Sharon, How are you? Thinking of you and hope not too bad at the mo. Chris
Here in the states we have flea markets and yard sales. I've noticed a big increase in shoppers at both types of sales. Prices seem about the same, although it seems the quality of the merchandise has gone down. I used to find barely worn, fashionable clothes for next to nothing, and lately it seems people are putting their really old things up for sale. I think they are cleaning out their closets, desparate for anything to sell, since so many people are out of work here.
You there, hon? Hope all's ok. x
Boot market stuffs are not bad at all. I mean though they are second-hand, they are guaranteed beautiful and still useful. Not only that, you can save a lot from shopping in boot markets than going to the normal shops. At times like ours, we need to save and set our prides aside.
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Hi Sharon, it’s nice to get to buy stuff at real throw away prices. But ‘average price’ of throw away prices is on the rise, as you have clearly mentioned. Still we in http://climatarians.org guess it’s a bargain. And you get good stuff too. No reason to complain. It’s good the save and spend less when we have the opportunity to do so.
Keep boot marketing!
Joost Hoogstrate
Still wondering - and maybe also worrying ...
Hi Sharon,
Sorry to hear about your dad!
I think being frugal is the way to go in current economy. People like you are really making it fashionable to shop from boot markets.
way to go!
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Hello Sharon - I am sorry I haven't been by for a while, but it seems we have had a shared experience - my father died on March 11 after a long period of decline. I see you haven't posted for a while and I hope you are alright. During Dad's last months I deleted remoteknitter, feeling I would never have a life of my own again. Mum is just about coping now. I hope your mother is managing. I hope you are managing and I send you my love. XX
Sharon, really hope you are OK!
Any one seen any bi folding doors at the carboot markets yet.
I absolutely love car booting and both self and buy! It's a great way to feel better about shopping without wasting all the bits and bobs that get collected around the house!
Brilliant!
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