Although I pass by It Takes A Village on an almost daily basis, it took me a full year-and-a-half to start frequenting it with any kind of regularity. At first I thought it was one of those fly-by-night pop-up garage sales you sometimes see in this part of town, and, after talking to the owner, I was half right. The shop did essentially start as an indoor rummage sale, but over time, it’s morphed into a full-fledged secondhand shop with a special emphasis on high-quality vintage furniture.

WHAT’S GOOD

♥ Lamps: If I was looking for some really sweet statement lamps—think amber-colored pendants, matching sets of ceramic table lamps, chandeliers— I would come hunting here. Tip: Ask to try out any secondhand lamp before buying it to make sure it works. A good store should be willing and able to accommodate you!

♥ Furniture: Every time I’ve visited this shop, I’ve been impressed with the furniture selection. From gorgeous floral sofas to 1930/1940s-era highboys (with original mirrors!) to ’50s formica dining sets, the selection is always solid. I’ve also spotted some really spectacular accent chairs, side tables, coffee tables and bedroom sets!

Price-wise, there are bargains to be had. The sofas I’ve liked have run between $50 and 80, while solid wood dressers (in fabulous condition!) are upwards of $80, which is a deal. Dining sets hover around $60 and side/coffee tables can range between $20 and $40.

WHAT’S MEH

♥ Clothes: The selection of clothing is small and underwhelming, so much so that I wish they’d devote the floor space to stocking more furniture.

♥ Records: While they’re only $1 a piece, every single album I found I wanted was in rough shape. Definitely come here for records only if you’re looking to do something cool with the album art.

Where does the money raised here go? When I asked the store owner this question, he said that as the building owner, he subsidizes a couple GLBT non-profits that operate out of the building and that he also puts some funds, as well as donates the land, for the community garden that’s next door.

Selection/Variety:  ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization:♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yes, but only if you spend $25 or more.

Do they offer delivery? Yes, for $20.

Are they on Facebook? Yes, and their page is updated often with new arrivals. Also, if you check in on Facebook while you’re there, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase.

Do they accept donations? Yes!

Where it is: 3405 Chicago Ave South, Minneapolis (2nd floor)

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week

Contact: 612.208.0647, ittakesavillagempls.org

xo,

Meghan