Lately, my local following has been growing thanks to my Instagram, and every time I’m at local Corpus Christi antique stores, I get questions!
“Where is this?” or “I’ve never heard of this place!”
Having lived here nearly three years, I can say I love living here, and I do my best to support local businesses as much as possible. Shopping small is a priority of mine to help business owners thrive.
There is a healthy amount of antique and thrift shopping to do in Corpus Christi, and there’s something for everyone. Totally worth the day trip if you’re close by!
I decided to do this list in alphabetical order, and I will update this list of Corpus Christi antique stores as I visit and discover more places. Have a store you love and want to see on this list? Email me at monicawantsit (@) gmail.com
Please note I have a separate guide about Corpus Christi Thrift Stores (resale shops). This one is for antique focused shops.
Best for: People who want unique antique furniture.
Alley Cats is one of the newer shops in town, and the one time we stopped by there was a small selection of miscellaneous small decor and furniture items. Since then, they have really expanded and have tons of very beautiful furniture and plenty more vendors.
Best for: People looking for global inspired antiques
Baba’s has truly one of a kind antiques- many are over 100 years old. Their offerings range from small to large but definitely have a global inspired aesthetic and vibe that is truly unique to this area.
Lots of their offerings have very ornate, warm, detailed features that would look amazing in any home. They also have hardware for furniture if you’re looking for something unique and stylish.
Betty’s Trash to Treasure
Address: 3301 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Phone: (361) 882-9144
Best for: People looking for an antique store a bit off the beaten path.
A hop, skip and a jump away from Del Mar College’s East Campus, Betty’s Trash to Treasure has an eclectic assortment of items. Part dusty, part charming, you never know what you’ll find at Betty’s.
I was lucky enough to find a GIANT pagoda type ginger jar here one rainy afternoon.
The couple times I’ve been I’ve noticed they have quite a variety of glassware and vintage signs for those of you who collect those sorts of items.
Blue Moon Vintage
Address: 10118 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Phone: (361) 317-5069
Best for: Quirky, boho decor lovers
This shop is fun and is one of my must-visits when in Calallen area (along with Worth Repeating and Goodwill, both of which are in my Corpus Christi thrift store guide). Blue Moon Vintage has dealers such as Urbanosities that offer really unique housewares and clothing.
Make sure to head up the spiral staircase to find more goodies- I particularly love the vintage rugs and items on the wall upstairs.
Bumblebee Antiques
Address: 1611 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Phone: (361) 884-8849
Best for: Shoppers on the hunt for books, dinnerware/China and larger furniture pieces.
Upon walking into Bumblebee Antiques, one can’t help but be a smidge overwhelmed. The shop is PACKED with merchandise with some aisles requiring a side shuffle to get in and out the tight spaces.
All that being said, if you have the patience and stamina to dig around through the rooms and rooms of items, you’re likely to find something fabulous. Word on the street is prices are super negotiable.
Codi’s Crafts & Collectibles
Address: 5428 McArdle Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (Behind La Palmera Mall)
Phone: (361) 992-8377
Best for: Bargain hunters and smaller type home decor accessories.
End Tables, $30/each
Fitz & Floyd Dalmatian, $7
Codi’s is a fun place to scour for treasures, but what I always notice about this place is that the prices are super reasonable for the most part. This is definitely more decor focused with a few smaller type furniture pieces here and there.
My living room end tables are from there and cost me $60 for the pair– I later did add some height to my end table to jazz it up. I’ve also found some great Blue Willow items for low prices at Codi’s, and my beloved blue and white Fitz & Floyd Dalmatian was $7 at Codi’s!
One of my more recent finds is this gorgeous pagoda oversized lantern thing that looks fab next to my fireplace.
Address: 1101 Airline Rd Suite B, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Best for: Mid-Century Modern/Boho Style
Regina is passionate about all things vintage, and her eclectic shop boasts treasures she finds as well as items made by local artists, crafters and entrepreneurs. She likely has the perfect gift for that friend who seemingly has everything.
We recently stopped by this charming antique shop located in Odem, Texas, which is about a half hour drive. Totally worth it- this place has room after room of treasures, and if you collect china or tole trays, this is a must visit.
They have have odd hours, so make sure to double-check before you head out. They are one of the few places open on Saturday and Sunday.
Magnolias Two
Address: 201 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: (361) 450-1405
Best for: People who love one of a kind accessories.
This charming shop is located in Rockport and is totally worth the drive. Some of the most unique chinoiserie pieces I’ve seen were found at this shop, and I did buy some lovely candlestick lamps for my foyer table. I thought most of the items were beautiful, curated and less of the junktique type things you see at other shops.
My Mom Had That
Address: 1012 US-181, Portland, TX 78374
Phone: (361) 704-6743
Best for: People who love the thrill of the hunt.
Located a short drive over the Harbor Bridge, My Mom Had That is worth the extra miles to get to. Their newly opened space is large and is filled with vendors of all types.
What strikes me most about My Mom Had That, besides their bright pink suburban parked out front, are there super affordable prices. They truly have antiques and collectibles for everyone, and also intermixed are jewelry, candles and arts and crafts.
If you love shabby chic, country, florals and rustic decor, this store features a lot of that.
Red Crow Antique Mall
Address:4325 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (Antique Row)
Phone: (361) 857-5977
Best for: Antique buffs and those who want somewhere they can spend a couple hours.
Red Crow is synonymous with Corpus Christi Antique Stores, and likely the first place locals will recommend. It’s large and situated on Antique Row on Alameda and Robert.
From classic American antiques, to French farmhouse chic, to eclectic and curated, you can find it at Red Crow Antique Mall. Prices vary from booth to booth, but there’s always something new to find, and it seems that sales happen often.
I scored two tobacco leaf China pieces here on sale, and I feel I paid a very fair price. At Red Crow, you’ll get to see the gorgeous booths of local decor maven Shell & Pine alongside other antique sellers.
Renaissance Antiques
Address: 4317 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (Antique Row)
Phone: (361) 991-3344
Best for: Fashion lovers who also are hunting for antiques.
Renaissance is vintage clothing store meets antique store. Amidst all the glamorous antiques are gorgeous frocks from periods of the past, and there’s also an upstairs section that you won’t want to miss.
Decidedly feminine, I feel like I’m wandering around a fashionista’s closet in the 1980’s when I’m in this store, and I say that as a sincere compliment. Renaissance’s owner is always cheery, willing to negotiate and has created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Corpus Christi.
Address: 4333 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (Antique Row)
Phone: (361) 334-2240
Best for: Asian-style decor and Mid Century Modern lovers.
Although it’s one of the smaller, more curated shops on Antique Row, Vintage Orchid Antiques is a must-see. As a lover of chinoiserie decor, I personally find that Vintage Orchid has the most in that style.
This is actually where I found a nearly complete Blue Willow Cruet Set for only $28.
The shop is thoughtfully laid out with furniture in the main area with glass display cases lining most of the side walls where items are grouped by decor theme/type. There’s always something unique that I’ve never seen before when I go into this shop.
Vintage Vibe
Address: 4315 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (Antique Row)
Phone: (361) 334-0969
Best for: People who want to know their purchase helps a good cause.
Formerly Betty’s Trash to Treasures, Too (their second location) before it was acquired by the lovely people who run The Cattery, Vintage Vibe is a delight to visit. There’s over 6,000 square feet to peruse, and coin and jewelry collectors will find plenty of inventory at this gem.
I first visited this shop back on Small Business Saturday in 2017, and I snagged a gorgeous floral umbrella stand for $25. I also always spot cool Coca-Cola collectibles, China patterns aplenty and a foo dog or two.
There’s lots of little corners and closets turned into seller booths, so make sure to take a peek and not overlook those smaller spaces.
Wildflowers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmwildflowers/ Address: 2729 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415 Phone: (361) 442-2224 Best for: Delightful scented candles and neutral/timeless decor accents
I love stopping by Wildflowers because of how GORGEOUS it is inside. It’s curated and styled to perfection and the perfect mix of new housewares/accessories mixed in with some stunning vintage pieces. Terrie, the owner, is a so kind and makes the shopping experience a delight.
Corpus Christi Antique Stores: Shopping Tips
Each store has their own policy on whether or not they will negotiate prices or if they will call the seller to negotiate prices. Bearing that in mind, here are some tips to score some bargains while being respectful of the time, energy and resources spent by the sellers to obtain the antiques they’re selling.
Don’t negotiate/haggle low priced items- most stores won’t negotiate on items lower than a certain dollar amount.
If you ask for a discount, or the lowest price a seller will take, expect about 10-15% off.
Often sellers/vendors at larger antique stores have sales around holidays. Look out for signs or simply ask at the register. It never hurts to ask!
I find sellers are often more negotiable if you’re buying multiple things; you want to make it easy and effortless for them to accept your offer.
A few antique stores offer layaway on higher priced merchandise for those who need more flexible terms.
And this should go without saying, but if you break, you buy! Don’t take huge purses in there where you’re likely to shove something off a ledge and be mindful as you walk around.
Given the nature of antique stores, you’re bound to find something new each time you visit. I love to hit up my fave Corpus Christi antique stores about once a month.
Also, items sell fast! If you see something you absolutely cannot live without, I highly recommend you buy it. To this day I regret not buying a pair of Staffordshire dogs I found at Red Crow once.
If you know of some Corpus Christi antique stores that should be on the list, drop it in the comments or email me at monicawantsit {at} gmail.com.
I actually adore you took the time to post about the stores in your area. I know they truly appreciate the shout-out and the fact you listed them and also items you purchased and how you decorated them in you beautiful home. Shopping small is extremely vital and beneficial in every community. Good job on this post.
Terrie Moore
Monday 17th of June 2019
Thank you for the mention! Glad you enjoy our space at Red Crow! Have you been to our South Padre Island Drive location, Wildflowers? We specialize in European antiques and original vintage art. We have started quite a buzz by elevating the options of antiques available here🖤
JAMALA WALLACE
Monday 17th of June 2019
I actually adore you took the time to post about the stores in your area. I know they truly appreciate the shout-out and the fact you listed them and also items you purchased and how you decorated them in you beautiful home. Shopping small is extremely vital and beneficial in every community. Good job on this post.
Terrie Moore
Monday 17th of June 2019
Thank you for the mention! Glad you enjoy our space at Red Crow! Have you been to our South Padre Island Drive location, Wildflowers? We specialize in European antiques and original vintage art. We have started quite a buzz by elevating the options of antiques available here🖤