Baby Boomers and Millennials Driving the Vintage Marketplace

04 Oct, 2017

In the United States alone, there are approximately 80 million millennials spending an estimated $600 billion per year. The millennial generation (born between 1980 and 2000), is actually the biggest generation in America’s history. They’ve even surpassed the baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) by 15 million. Karen Underwood, co-owner of Vintique Flea, takes a look at what brings these two very different generations together.

Baby boomers are more likely to have an oversized suburban home with a collection of antique chairs, a large dining room table that has been in the family for multiple generations and a set of heirloom china.

Meanwhile, millennials tend to live in urban apartments with a variety of decor and an assortment of dishes they’ve collected over the years. Millennials also tend to shy away from purchasing big-ticket items like cars and other luxury goods, as they would rather spend their money on an incredible experience, such as a concert, music festival or travel.

When it comes to traditional antiques, millennials are staying away from the bulky, heavy furniture, ornate china and crystal of years past. However, they do tend to gravitate towards items that bring back pleasant childhood memories.

Although it’s an unlikely pairing, the antiques and vintage industry is bringing baby boomers and millennials together. Antiques are likely to attract millennials for sentimental reasons or due to their practicality. Millennials usually prefer long-lasting items with intriguing designs that are made of high-quality, durable materials and withstand the test of time.

Underwood has found that even though baby boomers and millennials may have different reasons for their interest in such things, both generations enjoy the act of scouting out antiques and vintage items.

“Repurposed furniture, mid-century modern furniture and architectural salvage tend to resonate most with younger patrons, while baby boomers continue to have an affinity for heirlooms,” Underwood commented.

With an ever-evolving customer base, the antiques and vintage industry is undergoing a metamorphosis as well. As a part of this transformation, Underwood’s partner coined the term “Vintique,” which means: (1) a spectacular market featuring a collection of vintage, industrial and antique items located at Silver Street Studios in Houston, Texas; (2) a hybrid of vintage and antique. “We’ve moved beyond the antiquated, dusty antique show of years past, and created new, on-trend events that appeal to all ages,” Underwood stated.

Vintique Flea has several major events scheduled throughout the year, including the upcoming Fall 2017 Market event which starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017, and runs through 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2017. The event will be held at Silver Street Studios, located at 2000 Edwards Street in Houston, Texas. Among its highlights are numerous antiques and eclectic finds, as well as industrial treasures and fabulous fabrics. There will also be food trucks and other notable vendors at the market.

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