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Hidden Treasures Await Discovery in Naples
2nd Hand Gold Found At Area Consignment and Thrift StoresBy Reagan Rule
Do you love luxury, but only at bargain prices? Lust after Carrie’s shoe closet on Sex in the City, but can only budget for department store sale racks? Well, cheer up and plan a trip to the Naples Treasure Trail.
This collection of consignment and thrift shops located near downtown Naples is a paradise for anyone who wants to wear designer styles. Naples’ second-hand stores offer runway fashions, model home furniture and fabulous eclectic pieces – with some surprisingly affordable price tags.
 Naples Trail of Treasures |
Charity organizations were first attracted to the neighborhood by the rent that was much lower than the downtown MainStreet area. Soon more shops began to emerge, (both for profit and non-profit), and the district has since grown to house an assortment of consignment, thrift and antique shops.
Liz Overman, owner of the Love at Second Site resale and consignment shop, was the first to christen the block the ‘Treasure Trail.’ Her shop specializes in pre-loved furniture and accessories, with a newly added patio and lanai section. Inside, she also provides visitors with maps and brochures on the Naples second-hand scene. Her furniture and home décor shop showcases the pieces by arranging them in room settings to help inspire customers to decorate, design or just get creative.
“Since Naples is home to a thriving population of millionaires, second-hand shops benefit from the area’s many affluent seasonal residents and their constant need to redecorate or clean out their closets,” said Overman.
“Naples presents a unique situation – with an overabundance of interior designers, model homes, renters and wealthy residents who constantly update their homes, there is an ongoing supply of goods that are passed along to our stores,” Overman notes.
Options Thrift Shoppe on 2nd Avenue North, a non-profit consignment shop with proceeds benefiting the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, offers bargain hunters luxurious brands at a fraction of the cost. The boutique section sells designer threads from Armani to Escada, and boasts an impressive handbag and purse collection, with names like Dooney & Bourke, Kate Spade, Todds, Coach, and Gucci – all ranging from $50 - $125. Prada shoes range from $50 - 75, while a soft pair of Ferragamo’s could run you a mere $25. The spacious store also boasts a large, upscale furniture section with pieces that look as though they just came off a showroom floor.
The Conservancy of Naples also has upscale thrift stores at several Naples locations. However, their shops strictly offer furniture and accessories, and range from one-of-a-kind antique furniture to Ethan Allen sets.
Audrey’s Closet is another thrift store that sells furniture only. Their friendly staff greets you with a smile, as you wander through pathways of dressers, tables and framed artworks. Negotiating the price is also part of the adventure. On our visit, my friend purchased an exquisite, framed picture at $20 less than the ticket price.
At Another Man’s Treasure, shoppers are instantly overwhelmed by the variety of eclectic items – from antique diving helmets and stunning dressers to hot pink, robotic flamingos and eccentric stiletto handbags. The visually stimulating surroundings are intriguing to say the least. The upstairs section is also a fine art gallery, with famous prints by artists like Gustave Klimt, beautifully framed and eagerly awaiting a second home.
Finally, some tips on treasure hunting: There are so many shops to visit, make sure to set aside plenty of time to browse. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Ask how long a piece has been there – if it’s been a while, shop-owners may be anxious to sell. Each store receives new items at least 2-3 times per week. This is especially good news for repeat customers since you will never see the same treasures twice.
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