With the onset of colder weather, bargain hunters are going inside in lieu of yard sales and outdoor flea markets. They hit pay dirt at the Indoor Garage Sale at Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond.
“I’ve already bagged some great deals, and I’ve only been here about half an hour,” said Patrice Walters, of Hammond. “And my kids are having a great time figuring out how to spend their allowance.”
There was something for everyone, from toys and sports gear to electrical appliances and shoes.
“I love shopping these kinds of sales,” said Teri Unger, of Hammond. “I always pick up things for gifts I can give year-round.”
Shoppers treasure-hunted for new and gently used merchandise at the more than 200 vendor tables.
Fruit and produce are not usually found at indoor events such as this one, but that wasn’t the case at this semiannual sale.
“This is a nice surprise that they have these here,” said James Harris, of Hammond, talking about strawberries.. “Now, my wife will have to make me a pie when I bring these home.”
Many shoppers brought lists to the Indoor Garage Sale, checking off items found for others as well as looking for bargains for themselves. Some vendors acted as personal shoppers, suggesting gifts from their particular table.
Gerald Girman, of Hammond never shopped at yard and garage sales until he retired last year.
“I always thought this kind of shopping was only for the ladies,” he said. “Guess I was wrong. There’s a lot of guys here, and I’m having a great time looking at some interesting things.”
More Top Picks Best Dishwashers
One visitor from out of town added to that sentiment.
“My whole family, including my husband and three sons, love to go to house, yard and garage sales all year-round,” said Gennie Peterman, of Chicago. “We use the new buzzwords now, like ‘repurposed’ or ‘upcycled’ to describe what we find at these sales.”
Mary Conover, of Calumet City, Ill., also uses trendy descriptions when she’s out the door for a unique experience.
“My friends and I love unique things, and you’ll always find some of those at a garage sale,” she said. “And who doesn’t like a good bargain?”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.