One of the most common questions new vintage booth owners ask is: “What should I actually put in my booth?” After four years of running my own vintage booth and helping over 27,000 vendors in my Facebook community, I’ve learned that the answer isn’t as simple as a universal list.

What sells like hotcakes in one market might collect dust in another.

However, there ARE patterns, categories that tend to perform well across most markets, and—most importantly—a systematic way to research what will sell in YOUR specific area. This guide will teach you how to identify winning inventory for your location and introduce you to the categories that consistently generate sales for vintage booth owners nationwide.

How to Research What Sells in Your Local Market

Before you start filling your booth with inventory, you need to understand your specific market. Here’s exactly how to conduct market research in your area:

Visit Your Competition Strategically

Make multiple visits to antique malls within a 5- to 10-mile radius of your booth location. Don’t just browse—look for these specific indicators:

• Picked-over booths: Empty shelves and holes in displays indicate strong sales in that category
• Visit the same booths multiple times over 2-3 weeks to see what actually moves versus what sits
• Look for booths that appear “shopped” with items clearly being purchased regularly
• Note which display styles and themes seem to attract the most buyer attention

Study Pricing and Market Norms

Understanding local pricing expectations is critical. During your research visits:

• Photograph price tags on items similar to what you plan to sell
• Note what feels “normal” for different categories in your area
• Check for dated price tags—items sitting for 6+ months indicate pricing issues or lack of demand
• Compare prices across multiple malls to understand the competitive landscape

Observe Your Target Customer Demographics

This is marketing research, not people-watching. Your buyers shape your inventory decisions. Pay attention to:

• Who naturally shops at your antique mall: Young professionals? Retirees? Families? Interior designers?
• What adjacent businesses attract your mall’s foot traffic (gyms, restaurants, coffee shops)
• Peak shopping times and days—this tells you about your buyer’s lifestyle and schedule
• Group shopping behavior (friends shopping together spend more and encourage purchases)

For example, my booth is next to a Planet Fitness, so we see lots of young people after workouts. I adjust my inventory to include items appealing to that demographic—industrial decor, vintage bar tools, mid-century modern pieces—rather than focusing solely on traditional antiques.

Ask Mall Staff About Top Performers

When I started, I begged my store owner to introduce me to the top-selling booth vendors. While many vendors don’t like sharing their secrets, mall staff often know which booths consistently perform well. Ask them which categories sell best and which vendors they’d recommend learning from (even if from a distance).

Common Items That DON’T Sell (Even Though People Think They Should)

Before we dive into what DOES sell, let’s address the elephant in the room: there are certain categories that beginners consistently overstock, thinking they’ll be profitable. Save yourself the trouble and avoid these unless you have very specific, high-value pieces:

Old Books (With Rare Exceptions)

Most vintage books simply don’t sell. The exceptions that ARE worth stocking:

• First edition books (verify authenticity)
• Leather-bound sets (decorative value)
• Coffee table books with stunning photography

Skip: Encyclopedias, dictionaries, textbooks, Reader’s Digest condensed books, and mass-market paperbacks. These have virtually no resale value and take up premium booth space.

China and Crystal Glassware (Unless Exceptional)

The market is flooded with Grandma’s old china patterns. Unless you have complete sets of highly collectible patterns (Lenox, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton) or pieces from desirable makers like Depression glass, Fenton, or Cambridge glass, basic china and crystal will sit indefinitely. The exception? Serving pieces from collectible lines can sell as individual items for decorative purposes.

Mass-Produced Figurines

Most ceramic figurines have little value unless they’re from truly collectible lines like Lladró, Hummel (specific pieces), or Goebel. The market for generic porcelain figurines has largely disappeared as Millennials and Gen Z buyers prefer different aesthetics.

Old Media: VHS Tapes, Cassettes, and CDs

Unless you have rare or cult-favorite titles, most old media is worthless. The average person doesn’t have equipment to play these formats anymore, and nostalgia alone isn’t enough to move inventory.

Categories That Consistently Sell in Vintage Booths

Now for the good stuff—here are the categories that generate consistent sales across most markets. I’ve organized these from highest-value items to smaller accessories, with detailed guidance on what to look for within each category.

Vintage and Antique Furniture (The Anchor Category)

Furniture is often the highest-margin category in a successful vintage booth. While it requires more initial investment and space, the profit potential is substantial. Here’s what you need to know about each furniture category:

Mid-Century Modern Furniture (1945-1970)

This is THE hot category right now and shows no signs of slowing down. MCM appeals to multiple generations and fits modern interior design trends.

What to look for:

• Walnut and teak pieces (highest demand)
• Clean lines with tapered legs
• Bar carts (these sell incredibly fast)
• Credenzas and sideboards (high-profit items)
• Low-profile dressers and nightstands
• Lane, Broyhill Brasilia, Bassett, American of Martinsville makers

Pricing tip: Quality MCM pieces in good condition can command 6-10x your purchase price. A $50 thrift store bar cart can easily sell for $300-500 in the right market.

Art Deco Furniture (1920s-1930s)

Art Deco has seen a resurgence thanks to shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and movies like “The Great Gatsby.” This style appeals to buyers looking for statement pieces.

Key characteristics to identify:

• Geometric patterns and bold shapes
• Chrome, lacquer, and exotic wood inlays
• Waterfall edges on dressers and vanities
• Sunburst and fan motifs
• Mirrors with geometric frames

Deco vanities and bedroom sets are particularly sought-after. Even damaged pieces can sell if the style is strong—buyers are often willing to invest in restoration for authentic Art Deco furniture.

Victorian and Eastlake Furniture (1870s-1900)

While not as universally popular as MCM, Victorian furniture has a dedicated buyer base, particularly in certain regions and among collectors furnishing historic homes.

Best sellers in this category:

• Eastlake chairs (more angular, less ornate than other Victorian styles)
• Marble-top tables and washstands
• Secretary desks with original hardware
• Parlor sets (especially if reupholstered tastefully)

Market note: Victorian furniture does better in areas with older housing stock. Know your market before investing heavily in this category.

Cottage and Farmhouse Furniture

The farmhouse trend continues strong, driven by shows like “Fixer Upper” and the cottagecore aesthetic popular on social media.

Hot items:

• Farmhouse tables (any size, any condition—buyers will refinish)
• Painted furniture in original milk paint
• Pie safes and jelly cupboards
• Wooden crates and primitive boxes
• Benches (indoor or outdoor)
• Step stools and ladders (great decorative pieces)

Industrial Furniture (1900s-1950s)

Industrial pieces appeal to loft dwellers, businesses, and homeowners seeking edgy, masculine decor.

Top sellers:

• Factory carts and metal rolling tables
• Steel shelving units
• Wooden workbenches
• Metal stools and chairs
• Filing cabinets (especially with original labels)

Even rusty, weathered pieces sell in this category—the “industrial” look is part of the appeal. Price accordingly based on size and weight.

Small Vintage Furniture (Quick Sellers)

Don’t overlook smaller furniture pieces—they often turn over faster than large items and have lower barriers to purchase:

• Stools and step stools (decorative and functional)
• Plant stands (huge demand right now)
• Folding chairs and tables
• Nesting tables
• TV trays and stands
• Magazine racks

Collectible Glassware (High-Profit, Low-Investment)

Vintage glassware is one of my favorite categories because you can often source pieces for $1-5 and sell them for $20-50 or more. The key is knowing which makers and patterns are collectible.

Depression Glass (1920s-1940s)

Depression glass was mass-produced during the Depression era and given away as premiums. Despite being mass-produced, certain colors and patterns are highly collectible today.

Most valuable colors (in order):

• Cobalt blue (highest demand)
• Pink (especially dark pink)
• Green (jade and forest green)
• Amber and yellow

Sought-after patterns:

• Cameo/Ballerina
• Royal Lace
• Mayfair (Federal Glass)
• American Sweetheart

Fenton Glass

Fenton is one of the most recognizable names in American art glass. Look for:

• Hobnail pattern (milk glass is especially popular)
• Carnival glass (iridescent finish)
• Burmese glass (peachy-pink shading)
• Pieces with the Fenton logo (paper label or molded mark)

Cambridge and Imperial Glass

These American glass companies produced elegant pieces that are still highly collectible. Cambridge’s signature colors (Emerald Green, Royal Blue, Carmen Red) and Imperial’s Candlewick pattern are particularly desirable.

Murano Glass (Italian Art Glass)

Authentic Murano glass commands premium prices because it’s handmade on the island of Murano, Italy. Look for pieces with vibrant colors, heavy weight, and the Murano sticker or signature. Be cautious of reproductions—if it’s too light or perfectly symmetrical, it’s probably not authentic Murano.

Vintage Kitchenware (Especially Pyrex)

Vintage kitchen items appeal to collectors, home cooks, and interior decorators looking for pops of color and nostalgia.

Pyrex (The Holy Grail of Vintage Kitchen)

Pyrex collecting is a phenomenon unto itself. Certain patterns fetch hundreds of dollars, even for common bowl sets.

Most collectible patterns:

• Lucky in Love (white with four-leaf clovers) – extremely rare
• Pink Gooseberry
• Eyes (Balloons)
• Turquoise patterns (generally command higher prices)
• Primary Colors mixing bowls

Pro tip: Always check estate sales for Pyrex—families often sell entire collections at once and you can negotiate bundle deals. Even common patterns like Butterfly Gold sell quickly if priced right.

Other Collectible Kitchenware

• Fire-King (Jade-ite is especially popular)
• Hazel Atlas glassware
• Vintage Tupperware (yes, really—especially rare colors)
• Cast iron cookware (Lodge, Griswold, Wagner)
• Enamelware (graniteware), especially in blue or red
• Vintage cookie jars (McCoy, American Bisque)

Vintage Clothing and Accessories

Vintage fashion has exploded thanks to sustainability trends and Gen Z’s embrace of thrifting. Focus on these categories:

Band and Concert T-Shirts (1970s-1990s)

Authentic vintage band tees are some of the highest-profit items in vintage clothing. A $5 thrift store find can sell for $50-300+ if it’s the right band and era.

What to look for:

• Single-stitch construction (pre-1990s indicator)
• Screen Stars, Hanes, and Fruit of the Loom tags from the 80s
• Tour dates printed on the back
• Soft, thin fabric (worn-in vintage feel)
• Classic rock bands: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead

Vintage Denim

Learn to identify authentic vintage Levi’s, Lee, and Wrangler jeans:

• Levi’s: Red tab color and placement, Big E vs. little e, care tag era
• Lee: Upside-down tag indicates pre-1970s production
• 501s, 505s, and vintage cuts fetch premium prices
• Distressed and naturally worn pieces sell better than pristine condition

Western Wear

The western trend continues strong, appealing to both authentic western wear enthusiasts and fashion-forward buyers:

• Pearl snap shirts
• Fringe leather jackets and vests
• Vintage cowboy boots (good condition only)
• Bolo ties and western jewelry
• Tooled leather belts

Vintage Lingerie and Nightwear

Vintage slips, nightgowns, and lingerie sell surprisingly well—both to people actually wearing them and to those using them for boudoir photography. Even Victoria’s Secret pieces from the 90s and 2000s are now considered “vintage” and collectible. Look for silk, lace details, and romantic styles.

Small Decorative Items (High-Turnover Categories)

Don’t underestimate small items—they may have lower profit per piece, but they turn over quickly and help customers justify visiting your booth regularly.

Brass Candlesticks

I cannot keep brass candlesticks in stock. They sell within days, regardless of style. Buy every brass candlestick you see at a reasonable price—they’re consistently profitable and easy to display. This category appeals to multiple aesthetics from traditional to boho to modern eclectic.

Vintage Picture Frames

With people finally printing photos again after years of digital-only, demand for vintage frames has skyrocketed.

Best sellers:

• Ornate gold and silver frames (baroque, rococo styles)
• Large statement frames (over 16×20)
• Matching sets or gallery wall collections
• Unusual shapes (oval, octagonal, convex glass)

Vintage Baskets

Baskets are seasonal sellers with year-round appeal:

• Spring/Summer: Picnic baskets, market baskets, gathering baskets
• Fall/Winter: Firewood carriers, storage baskets, decorative display baskets
• Year-round: Native American baskets (if authentic), Nantucket baskets, European wicker

Ceramic and Pottery Planters

The houseplant trend continues strong, creating steady demand for vintage planters. Stock up in fall and winter for the spring rush.

Hot items:

• McCoy pottery
• Hull pottery
• Roseville (higher-end)
• Face planters and head planters
• Hanging planters with macrame or original hardware

Decorative Ashtrays

While fewer people smoke today, vintage ashtrays sell as jewelry dishes, coin trays, and decorative objects. Mid-century and Murano glass ashtrays are particularly sought after. Look for unique designs—Route 66 souvenirs, hotel and casino ashtrays, and art glass pieces all sell well.

Emerging and Specialty Categories

Vintage Toys and Games

Original vintage toys in good condition command high prices. Focus on:

• Die-cast cars (Hot Wheels, Matchbox from 60s-70s)
• Original Star Wars, GI Joe, and action figures (in package = highest value)
• Vintage board games with complete pieces
• Fisher-Price Little People (original wooden sets)
• Vintage Barbies and accessories

Advertising and Breweriana

Vintage advertising items appeal to collectors and those creating man caves or restaurant decor:

• Vintage signs (Coca-Cola, gas and oil, tobacco)
• Beer trays and signs
• Tobacco tins and advertising
• Pharmacy and medical advertising

Vintage Lighting

Lighting is a high-margin category if you’re willing to rewire pieces:

• Mid-century modern lamps (especially Laurel Lamp Company)
• Art Deco glass shades and fixtures
• Industrial pendant lights
• Brass pharmacy and piano lamps
• Vintage chandeliers (even damaged ones sell to DIYers)

The Three-Question Sourcing Framework

Before purchasing any item for your booth, run it through this three-question framework. This has saved me from countless bad purchases:

Question 1: Who Is Buying This, and Are They Still Shopping?

This question addresses market sustainability. Ask yourself:

• Is the buyer base growing, shrinking, or stable?
• Are new collectors entering this market?
• Is demand aging out? (Beanie Babies are the cautionary tale here)

Items with multi-generational appeal—like mid-century modern furniture or vintage Pyrex—perform best because they attract both older collectors and younger design enthusiasts.

Question 2: How Many of These Exist?

Scarcity drives value. Consider:

• Was it mass-produced or limited production?
• Was it marketed as collectible? (If yes, it probably isn’t scarce)
• Is it fragile? (Fewer survive = higher value)

This is why Murano glass commands premium prices—it’s handmade in one location. This is also why most commemorative plates have no value—millions were produced specifically for collecting.

Question 3: Can I Sell This for At Least 4X My Cost?

This margin accounts for all your business costs:

• Booth rent
• Commission or fees
• Your time sourcing (including mileage)
• Cleaning and pricing time
• Markdown flexibility if it doesn’t sell quickly

If you can’t achieve 4X markup, pass on the item—no matter how much you love it. This discipline is what separates profitable booths from those that barely break even.

Your Action Plan: From Research to Profit

Now that you understand both how to research your market and which categories tend to perform well, here’s your action plan:

• Week 1: Visit 3-5 antique malls in your area, focusing on observation. Take notes on who’s shopping, what’s selling, and pricing norms.
• Week 2: Return to the same malls and note what’s sold since your first visit. Talk to staff about top-selling booths.
• Week 3: Start sourcing using your three-question framework, beginning with 1-2 categories from this guide that align with your local market research.
• Week 4: Set up your booth with your initial inventory, focusing on good display practices and competitive pricing.

Remember: every market is different, and even within the same mall, different booths can succeed with completely different inventory strategies. Your job is to find the intersection between what sells in your market and what you enjoy sourcing and displaying.

The categories I’ve outlined here—particularly furniture, glassware, Pyrex, and small decorative items—are proven performers across most markets. But the real key to success is combining this knowledge with your local market research and applying the three-question framework to every purchasing decision.

Want to dive deeper? Join my free Facebook community, Vintage Booth Pro Community, where over 27,000 vendors share daily sales updates, sourcing tips, and real-world advice. See exactly what’s selling across the country and learn from vendors in markets similar to yours.