Since Little Shop of Treasures planted the pioneering seed about five years ago, this intriguing clandestine cluster of antique, vintage, art, and thrift stores set along East Sunny Dunes Road and Industrial Place in Palm Springs has continued to expand — attracting bargain-seekers, collectors, and interior designers as it has grown.
The latest addition is Antiques Galleries of Palm Springs, adding to a mix of at least nine shops, each with its own draw. Most are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Once Townie Bagels opens its doors in the near future (fingers crossed), we may just be looking at the Williamsburg, Brooklyn of Palm Springs.
Here, so far, hip is still affordable if you have the time to dig. The thrill of the hunt for reasonably priced, one-of-a-kind home pieces lives on! Let our guide be the sunny start to your Sunny Dunes exploration day.
Warren
At Warren, vintage metal wall sculptures and Keith Haring prints span the decades, as do an original Milo Baughman chair, a 1970s painting from New York’s Hudson Valley, and a large collection of Blenko glass.
One of the best things about Warren is, well, Warren himself. “I’m late midcentury,” says fascinating owner Warren Todd Powell of his shop with an emphasis on the 1970s and 1980s. “I like the ’80s; I’m not afraid of it.” Clearly. Among the Keith Haring and Andy Warhol prints, browse infinity mirrors, Blenko glass, Curtis Jere metal sculptures, and signed Charles Holis Jones works in chunky Lucite. Full displays of mod wall clocks, ice buckets, and coffee table lighters are as interesting as chatting with Warren about the area, his latest finds and his own art and tinkering. Make time for both.
407 Industrial Place, Palm Springs, 760-832-8751
Antiques Galleries of Palm Springs
At Antiques Galleries of Palm Springs, midcentury furniture is just the beginning. Each room or area presents an entirely fresh viewpoint and a curated assortment of vintage goodies, whether space age or music memorabilia.
Less than a year old, this neat and tidy showcase for more than 30 dealers on two floors gives its merchandise room to breathe. The quiet haven and its freshly painted white walls encourage unhurried contemplation of original art by local artists mixed into artful vignettes that include full dining sets, radios and records players, TV collectables, space age accessories, midcentury furniture, and more.
505 Industrial Place, Palm Springs, 760 898-9532
Sunny Dunes Antiques Mall
At Sunny Dunes Antiques Mall, the thrill of the hunt draws fans of every style and decade who never know what awaits around the next corner, from Danish modern furniture to 1950s relics and global décor.
“Come on in, we have 6,000 square feet!” calls friendly owner Scotty Smith from outside the door. He’s not kidding. A trained eye with an afternoon to roam could unearth more than a few gems from Palm Springs’ favorite era among the rooms inside. Large-scale pieces like paneled screens, china hutches of blue Delft dishes, and curios cabinets claim some floor space. Fondue pots, 1960s pottery lamps and Adler-esque sculptures are easily plucked from surrounding bric-a-brac and reborn in your party pad.
507 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, 760-325-7200
Little Shop of Treasures
At Little Shop of Treasures, women may find a vintage summer frock or black velvet coat. You may also stumble upon the perfect lamp, side table or set of vintage glassware.
Old-fashioned in a good way, this meandering store with an “I Dream of Jeannie” soundtrack has an affection for formality, a flair for the ornate, and all the makings for a prim and proper table. Under crystal chandeliers, sweet displays of 1930s white milk glass neighbor cases of Fostoria glass — from a footed cake stand to a punch bowl and ladle. Dress up with Weiss and Eisenberg rhinestone jewelry and a smart selection of vintage clothes for the lady. Asian accents and silver serveware complete the shop, as does a niche devoted to Christmas.
616 Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, 760-778-4300
The POP Shop
At The POP Shop, the eclectic jumble of shoes, clothing, and housewares at bargain-basement prices benefit youth in crisis through SafeHouse of the Desert.
“Honey, where did you find those sequins pumps in size 11?” Look no further than this thrift store with a boutique feel. An acronym for “Previously Owned Products,” The POP Shop benefits SafeHouse of the Desert and its mission to assist youth in crisis, including young homeless. Formerly in Desert Hot Springs, the shop brims with unbelievably low prices and impressive organization, from Hawaiian shirts and dark blue jeans to a wall of vintage dishes.
551 Industrial Place, Palm Springs, 760-864-8681
Bazaar Delar
At Bazaar Delar, the delightfully unexpected — such as this vintage green velvet bench with an ornate wooden frame — is the norm.
When he isn’t wearing his Windermere real estate hat, owner Julio De La Concha paints wildly imaginative, textured canvases that relax his mind and decorate the walls of his store, right on up to the ceiling. These funky and colorful works are a backdrop for assorted furniture and a maze of unpredictable items, from curious lamps to a Norelco shaver and a carnival-style popcorn machine.
577 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, 760-219-7629
I Remember This
photo courtesy of i remember this on facebook
A nostalgic selection of vintage finds continues to evolve at I Remember This.
Remember Fiestaware and family game nights around the kitchen table? This is the place for you. Books and games join dishes, kitschy kitchenware, and anything else that strikes the owner’s eye.
548 Industrial Place, Palm Springs, 760-327-6200
Lisa Marie Hart has been writing about weddings since serving as an editor at Bridal Guide magazine in New York City in 1999. Since 2006, she has been editor of the annual Palm Springs Life Weddings & Honeymoon Planner. Away from the laptop, she creates tiered cupcake stands for weddings and celebrations at www.highteaforalice.com.
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