Corpus Christi Antique Stores Guide

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 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 will have a separate post about thrift/resale type shops. This one is for antique focused shops.

Last Updated: June 2019

Corpus Christi Antique Stores:

Alley Cats Antiques and Collectibles

Address: 1810 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

Phone:(361) 944-2156

Best for: People who like small decor items.

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. Based off their Facebook page updates, they plan on expanding in the near future, so this shop is definitely one I’ll have to visit again!

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.

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.

Do note that parking is a bit odd in that area, so I’d recommend parking behind the building and not on Staples, which is a busy street.

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.

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.

Credit: @tmwildflowers on Instagram

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 mavens Wildflowers and Shell & Pine alongside other antique sellers.

Renaissance

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.

Tobacco leaf teapot from a Corpus Christi antique stores

My beloved tobacco leaf teapot was a lucky $12 find from Renaissance…I found it at the very top of a shelf, so don’t forget to look up and see what you find. Another Renaissance find was this stunning bench that I made over once using specialty paint and another time using new fabric and spray paint.

Vintage Orchid Antiques

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.

Blue Willow Cruet Set from Corpus Christi Antique Stores

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.

Corpus Christi Antique Stores: Fun Finds!

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.

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.

Corpus Christi is also home to many great thrift/charity shops and home decor boutiques– you could seriously spend a whole weekend exploring all of these wonderful local businesses.

Comments

JAMALA WALLACE says
June 17, 2019 at 11:22 pm
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 says
June 17, 2019 at 10:06 pm
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🖤

Corpus Christi Antique Stores Guide