Las Vegas is famous for its luxury retail outlets, but an eclectic lineup of thrift, antique and upcycle stores can be found in the neighborhoods far away from the chaos of the Strip. Whether looking for fresh clothes, a DIY project or inexpensive decorations, you’ll find a welcome alternative in shops that specialize in unique products, hands-on services and making old items new again.
Gypsy Bazaar
Inspired by the unconventional spirit of classic antique malls, Gypsy Bazaar is fully stocked with vintage merchandise that owner Coco Hall says is made better, lasts longer and has more character. Every corner of the store seems to have its own identity, whether reflecting the Hollywood Regency era of the 40s or the Tiki heydey of the 50s. Somewhere in the middle, repurposed home furnishings, barware and clothing can be found alongside artwork and old political campaign buttons. Most of the inventory is American-made and geared toward women, although guys will gravitate to the rock music section stocked with classic vinyl albums and tour posters.
Reclaimed Secrets
Reclaimed wood may be trendy, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. As a third-generation carpenter, Andrew Moore operates Reclaimed Secrets, giving new life to dead standing lumber that may have been eaten by insects or burned in a forest fire. The wood, which may also be repurposed from old barns and fences, is kiln-dried at a facility in Arizona before being brought to a workshop in the industrial corridor near the Las Vegas Strip. The process removes mold, moisture or pests but leaves behind lots of character — like a distinctive blue shade from mountain pine beetles. Sold at fair prices, revenue is split between lumber and custom-built furniture, which can include anything from tables and chairs to wine storage units and coat racks. Leftover pieces are featured in a small showroom at discount prices.
Bloom
Bloom is an art and home decor boutique that has grown to include locations in Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City. Owner Bridget O’Neill grew up in a Midwest family that repurposed items in creative ways and saw a need in the Las Vegas community for a shop driven by upcycling and DIY education. Bloom is the exclusive local carrier of the Annie Sloan European chalk paint line —a thick, creamy paint that can instantly transform furniture without prepping or sanding— and General Finishes stain products. However, taking matters into your own hands doesn’t have to be intimidating. Bloom offers classes and quick tutorials to get customers familiar with effective products and techniques. Custom work can be commissioned as well. In addition to art supplies, the stores are well stocked with furniture, lamps and jewelry from local designers with a heavy emphasis on rustic tones and light blue colors. If West Elm feels a little too corporate these days, this could be your spot.
ReBar
Need a stiff drink while you shop? ReBar is a bar and antique store that follows one simple premise: everything is for sale, from the chair you’re sitting on to the glass you’re drinking from. All prices negotiable. Geared toward an urban crowd raised on pop culture, the scattered inventory has everything from furniture and taxidermy to vintage Star Wars toys and a tabletop Pac-Man video game console. Collectibles connected to classic Vegas are especially popular, so make an offer for that neon Olympic Gardens sign before somebody else snatches it up. Located in the Downtown Arts District’s Antique Alley, ReBar is a good starting point for exploring a number of nearby shops dedicated to vintage collectables, furniture and clothing.
Twitter: @rebarlv
Opportunity Village Thrift Store
With a mission to help those with intellectual disabilities, Opportunity Village is one of the most established and respected charities in Las Vegas. To help generate funds, the nonprofit operates its own thrift store in a large no-frills space west of the Strip. The inventory is more practical than kitschy with deals ranging from 49-cent greeting cards to $65 washing machines. There’s enough room for long racks of clothes and large furniture pieces, but regular donations from World Market Center (a furniture industry showcase facility) tend to provide the best deals.
Twitter: @OppVillageLV
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Closet Couture
Closet Couture is a consignment shop that features high-end designers like Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana all in one place. Owner Natasha Young draws on a background in high-end fashion retail and deep connections to the “one-percent” to resell clothing, shoes and handbags for a fraction of the original retail price. The business is geared toward smart shoppers who relish luxury as well as a good bargain — and probably appreciate the value of the item more than the original owner. Young is very selective about what she carries, only stocking like-new pieces and rejecting about 90 percent of her offers. Despite being more than three miles from the Strip, Closet Couture attracts its share of foreign tourists eager for a good deal.
Twitter: @ClosetCoutureLV
When your shopping’s done, the biggest problem might be storing all your new stuff. Just keep your apartment clean and closets organized so you can visit these intriguing businesses over and over again.