We finally stopped in the Ravenswood Antique Mart recently, a place that looks so good from the front windows. Inside it's good too: clean, organized, open for browsing without knocking things over, and full of colorful mid-century, art deco, and funky tiki stuff. Prices seemed steep, as they tend to at antique malls...after all, the antiquers are doing the scavenging for you and putting it all under one roof. Much to our shock, we spotted an identical lamp to one of ours. The price difference? $700 versus the $7 we spent at a local thrift shop.
This is a fun place to wander, and aside from home goods, there is some great jewelry on display and general knick-knacks, vintage magazines, and lots of art. A RAM website is in the works to launch in the next couple months. Stay tuned and we'll keep you posted!
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Comments (8)
I have to agree with Beth on this one. Yes, some items seem expensive and if you can find it cheaper go for it. The thrill is in the hunt. But if you DO find something that is perfect for you it's worth it. It's not easy to find vintage pieces cleaned up and in good shape. I did have a small issue where I called to purchase something that was on hold 8 minutes before closing and the woman who answered did not want to be bothered ringing me up, she said she already closed out the drawer and they were still open. It was a large ticket item so I was a bit turned off but the next day I told the owner John about it and he MORE than made up for it. Not only did he drop the price on this item for me, he gave me the CD playing in the background because I had asked about it. Now that's service!
I do have to take issue with Jim's comment about bringing a camera. Why is that tacky? If you're making a large purchase and you want to visualize the item in your home having a photo of it is very helpful. It's also standard practice for a designer to have photos.
...and bringing Kids? Yeah, there are a lot of breakable things so not the best place to bring young children, especially if they are squealing and running about...
They are outright unpleasant here. The two staffers were brusque when I entered and continued to have a catty conversation about a previous customer as soon as I was 5 feet from them. Overall unhelpful. Its a shame because they have some nifty stuff (but at hefty prices).
I think that it is all about the attitude that you walk in with--the people who work here have always been nothing but wonderfull to me and, very sadly, I've never even bought anything. The place is a treasure of beatiful midcentury antiques. I would recommend it to any of my friends--priced as it is! Thanks RAM, you guys do a great job!
RAM is sometimes splendid and utterly overpriced. The unevenness is due to the number of vendors under one roof, which can be a plus if you're eclectic.
But buyer beware, misery's hands are on every item. The owner will brusquely reprimand you for the slightest perceived misstep, and when confronted will skulk and ask you to leave. I speak from experience.
I agree with IDstudent - a good attitude can make a world of difference. I stopped by recently on a hot, muggy mess of a day and expected the worst - but was treated very nicely.
Yes, the prices are kind of high, but like some posters have commented, they've done all the work for you, and they do have an eye for beautiful pieces in great condition. Think of the time you'd spend on Ebay, Craigslist or out scoring thrift stores/estates sales/etc. to find something similar - yes, the thrill of the hunt, etc., but time is money, honey!
I can't afford a lot of what they have, but will definitely buy a standout piece or two. Would rather save my pennies and shop here whenever possible rather than at a mass market retailer. Although you can't beat that 99 cent Ikea breakfast...or the vibrating floors as 10,000 people pack in on a weekend afternoon...
Buyer Beware! I purchased 6 dining chairs for $1,200 at the Ravenswood Antique Mart on July 24, 2008, and several days later found out that they are NEW. A friend and experienced mid-century modern collector took one look at them and said that they were new. When I called the vendor/store manager, he said that he got them from a woman who said she bought them in Finland in 1992 and all he knew about them was what she told him. They were not labeled as new or newer and the vendor/manager said it was not necessary for him to label them as such, even though the mart bills itself as a source for vintage modern design and decor.
Wow!! All you guys just saved me a long, unnecessary trip. I was going to go check out the RAM tomorrow, actually, and I'm in the far west suburbs. I don't want to drive an hour to go to a store where the staff will only treat me badly and everything is overpriced/mislabeled. I think I'll go to the antique mall in Aurora instead.
Agree with Jody O. I stopped there this past summer because their window display was just calling me. Took a closer look and picked up a vase, priced for $250.00 that I bought at Pier 1 when I WORKED THERE!! it retailed for $18.00. They have some awesome stuff, I didn't buy anything that day, I felt so cheated and scammed.
Like Julian, I go in there for ideas, and like every other person on here not once have I received a "hello, can I help you find something?"
I'm not grouchy, just stating facts.