by Angela Gentile – GA Vintage & Gentle Angel Treasures
For most of my life, shopping meant malls, bright lights, and endless rows of shiny, new products. Big-box stores were my go-to for almost everything. I liked the convenience, the variety, and the thrill of finding something new. I even liked the smell of new — walking into a store that smelled like plastic, chemicals, perfume, and fake fragrances was something I grew accustomed to.
But over the past few years — especially since diving into my love for thrifting, vintage treasures, and handmade items — I’ve noticed a big shift in myself:
I rarely feel like going to the mall anymore. Those big-box aisles just don’t hold the same magic.
And here’s why.
1. The Thrill of the Hunt
When I walk into a thrift shop, antique store, or flea market, I don’t know what I’ll find — and that’s the fun of it. Every shelf holds a mystery. Maybe it’s a hand-painted vase from the 1950s, a brooch that’s seen decades of celebrations, or a hand-stitched tablecloth that someone poured hours of love into.
In contrast, big-box shopping feels predictable. Rows of identical items, mass-produced (usually made in China) and ready to be replaced the minute the “new season” arrives. Once you’ve experienced the joy of finding something truly unique, it’s hard to get excited about something you know thousands of other people have in their carts.
2. The Emotional Connection
Vintage and handmade items come with a story. Even if I don’t know every detail, I can feel the history in them. They’ve been loved, used, and cherished before — awaiting a new life.
New products rarely carry that weight of meaning. They’re just “things,” fresh from the factory, waiting for a story to begin.
3. Quality That Lasts
The more I thrift, the more I realize how well older items were made. Small hand-painted collectibles. Jewelry with intricate details. Dishes and glassware that have lasted decades without losing their charm.
Compare that to many new items today — lightweight, mass-produced, sometimes built to last only until the next trend rolls in. Once you know the difference, it’s hard to go back.
4. Better for the Planet
Every time we buy second (or third) hand, we keep something out of the landfill and reduce demand for new manufacturing. That means less waste, less energy use, and less strain on our planet. The same goes for handmade items — often created in small batches, with care, rather than churned out in massive factories.
5. The Happiness Psychology Behind It
There’s even a brain science reason for my shift. Thrifting is like a treasure hunt. When we find something unexpected and special, our brains release dopamine — that little “yay!” hit of happiness.
Big-box shopping? You usually know exactly what you’ll find. Without surprise, there’s less excitement.
My Personal Shopping Checklist
Before I buy anything new now (except for intimates and makeup), I ask myself:
- Can I find this secondhand or handmade?
- Will it last?
- Does it make me feel something?
If the answer is “no” to most of those… I walk away.
Why This Matters to You
When you choose vintage, handmade, or secondhand, you’re not just buying an object — you’re preserving history, supporting small businesses, and giving beautiful things a new life. It is also more likely you are keeping your money in Canada at a time when the economy is counting on it.
That’s exactly what I do with GA Vintage and Gentle Angel Treasures. Every item I sell is chosen with care, for its charm, quality, and story. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a collectible, or home décor, it’s something that deserves to be loved again. Every piece of jewelry I make is “Made with Love.”
So next time you’re tempted by the mall, maybe try a different kind of shopping trip. Wander into a thrift store. Visit a local artisan market. Or browse my latest finds. You might be surprised by what you discover — and how good it feels to own something truly unique.
Let’s give the past a future — one beautiful item at a time.
(Written with the help of ChatGPT 5)
Angela G. Gentile, BSW, MSW 