Why Shop Locally?
* In local vintage shops you are not reliant upon the photos - you can thoroughly inspect items
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* Related to the above, being able to see and inspect items means you won't miss a gem because the seller didn't take a great photo ;)
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* You can bring along items to match colors rather than relying on your monitor (or trying to gauge the color from the red Coke can in the picture!)
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* Shopping local means you can void shipping fees (even if the item is listed as "free shipping" the postal costs are built-in to the item's price)
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* You can avoid tragedy: some items are particularly impractical - & costly - & risky - to ship
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* Local history is more plentiful locally - plus, you are more likely (especially at vintage & antique shops) to learn the history behind your discoveries
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* Shopping local antique and vintage shops means expert advice in terms of identification, use, and care of items
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* Knowledgeable antiques dealers can help you find the vintage and collectibles you are looking for - sadly, search engines are only as good as the words put into them
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* Personal connections with vendors & shops is far better than saved searches and ISO (in search of) posts
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* On the flip side, those vendors & shops are also there when you wish to flip roles and sell items
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* Shopping local and small benefits our Fargo-Moorhead community in tremendously positive ways - it's not just for Small Business Saturdays, you know!
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* Local prices reflect the local economy, i.e. you'll be paying less here in Fargo-Moorhead rather than competing with coastal bidders & buyers online
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* Shopping at brick & mortar stores is good for your physical health (present coronavirus notwithstanding) as you are out & about, walking rather than doing more sitting
* Shopping real-world stores also benefits your mental health & relationships. Shopping in stores - with family, friends, friendly staff, & other customers - is more social & entertaining than shopping online.
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* When shopping with family & friends you can actually see what they like! Result? Better gift giving!
* Buying vintage & secondhand, is better for the environment in general - but shopping locally also reduces your carbon footprint
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* Convenience: you can find it, buy it, and take it home right away
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* You can pay in cash which is always more budget-friendly than credit cards
* Browsing at local vintage & antique shops is more inspiring - you'll find great displays to influence your home decor as well as unique pieces to encourage your own creativity for recycling, upcycling, and repurposing!
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**** Go ahead, grab a graphic for sharing! ****
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(Click to open image in a new tab to save.)
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Whether you call it antiquing, junking, thrifting, or shopping for vintage, hunting locally in the Fargo-Moorhead area has its advantages over online shopping: