Top 5 Vintage Shops In Venice

Nestled between a coffee shop and a fantastic Chinese restaurant called Mao’s, Gotta Have It is brimming with great finds, so be prepared to spend a good hour rummaging through this store. Receiving vintage items almost daily, they barely have the space to keep up with the supply. While it may appear overwhelming, it’s most definitely worth stopping in and tackling the dresses section. Behind every awkward 70s sweater is a 1940s evening gown to die for. It is fairly priced, but unique pieces will cost a bit more. If you know it’s unique, that means they do as well.

The newest addition to the Venice vintage scene, In Heroes We Trustjust marked its first birthday. Located at the end of Abbot Kinney, IHWT is a mix of curated vintage finds and independent designers, plus it dons a small art gallery focusing on the works of street artists. This boutique has a gift for everyone. They even have hula hoops on your way out — you know, in case you want to practice your hula skills.

Another tiny boutique, H. Bleuoffers custom and reclaimed vintage furniture and antique home décor. This mom-and-pop shop does come with a high price point, but it’s indicative of the care and creativity evident in each unique piece. The owner, Susan, scours flea markets and other venues — experiences she often documents on her blog — for unique finds that she and her team eventually transform into wonderful pieces ready for your space.

The Mart Collective is by far the largest indoor antique store located just off of Lincoln Boulevard and minutes from the beach. Housing over 100 different dealers, not one booth is similar. A haven for interior designers who love vintage items, this mart is forever changing and receives new vendors daily, selling items ranging from WWII sweetheart pendants to turn-of-the-century hotel silver. Whether you’re looking to collect or simply window shop, plan on spending two hours or more here.

Ronnie, the owner of Animal House, is a local. He can tell you the history of Venice, knows all of the restaurant owners in the area and is always honest with you about his inventory. After 33 years buying and selling in the vintage business world, this store has accumulated a little bit of everything. It seems like a mirrored representation of the owner’s personality: unique, vintage mixed in with today’s independent concepts and always keeping you guessing about what he’ll put on the racks next. There’s even a little juice bar in the back of the store promoting Clover brand juices. If you need to take a break from the monotony of clothes shopping, grab a juice and sit outside on the custom-made seats. Fastened and outlined with vintage leather, each reclaimed piece of wood is designed to be easily removed at the end of the day. Green, thoughtful and hip — that’s Ronnie and his store in a few simple words.