Eastern students looking to satisfy both their wants and needs while being budget conscious can take advantage of the many antique and vintage stores Charleston has to offer.

Elizabeth Marlow, a junior English major, said she frequents many of the antique and vintage stores located on Charleston’s downtown square, especially Spence’s on Jackson, to buy the unique items she may not find anywhere else.

“I get mostly jewelry, but clothes too, especially dresses,” Marlow said. “I would usually choose a vintage store unless I’m looking for something specific.”

Marlow said in addition to clothing, she also likes to visit vintage stores to look for something that she may not find somewhere else.

“I really like old and used things, things that have a history,” she said. “They’re attractive to me, and the price helps a lot.”

Buska Cornwell, owner of Persimmon Lane, said she notices college students coming into her store more frequently, often with a specific purchase in mind.

“I think they mainly come in looking for a lot of retro items. Right now college kids seem to be into the 60s and 70s kind of vibe,” she said.

Cornwell said she thinks that because price is such a primary concern for college students, they often opt for antique or vintage stores to get the items that express their personality, while still accommodating their budgets.

“They’re kind of on the verge of being on their own, and they want to buy things that define who they are,” Cornwell said. “They want to decorate their apartments and dorm rooms, and they want something unique, not cookie cutter.”

Marla Shoot, an employee at the Lincoln Book Shop, said many Eastern students come into their shop looking to buy vinyl records.

“They like to sort through them with no rhyme or reason of what they’re looking for,” she said.

Shoot said many students also come into their shop looking for items to furnish their apartments.

“Some buy lamps or dishes, and some will buy things just because they think they’re cute,” she said. “They like to have odds and ends.”

Nancy Kuykendall, owner of Twice is Nice, said she has also seen an increase in college students looking to save money. She said they buy both clothing and decorative items at her store.

“We get quite a few college students, and more and more all the time,” she said. “College students on a budget should definitely consider a resale shop. Anyone can be a thrift shopper.”

Kuykendall said while her business is not a typical thrift store and describes it as “high end resale,” she said she still sees customers frequently visiting as a way to compensate for pressing financial times, especially during the fall season.

“Fall clothes are more expensive,” she said. “With people needing coats, heavy sweaters and leather boots, a lot of people would rather buy it used.”

Kuykendall said she advises students to make the most of all of the vintage options in Charleston with an open mind.

“Before retail, always check resale,” she said. “You never know what you’ll find.”

Sara Hall can be reached

at 581-2812

or [email protected].