Grandma collected fine porcelain. Mom collected quilts and carnival glass. I collect primitives and stoneware. My kids and their friends . . . they don’t seem interested?
Both of my children fall into the group collectively referred to as Millennials, that demographic cohort made up of people born between 1980 and 2000. While they have grown up surrounded by dealers, collectors, auctioneers and various and sundry others in the business, they have shown no visible interest in the things that my friends and I collect. So what, if anything, will today’s young adults they preserve from the past?
Unlike their parent’s generation, Millennials are seeing significantly fewer economic opportunities than those of us who entered the job market in pre-1980 America. Baby Boomers are remaining in the workforce longer, outsourcing has limited the number of good-paying jobs for entry level workers, and the average paycheck has not kept up with the increase in the cost of living. As a result, the 80 million young adults falling into this age group tend to be very practical when it comes to how they spend their dollars. It is not that they don’t collect, as much as they are collecting things with a purpose.
Who would have thought that the mixing bowls and refrigerator storage dishes of the 70s would be stock items in the kitchens of 2016? Bright colors and bold contrast patterns are the most popular. Turquoise, blue, orange, and yellow in patterns like Snowflake, Butterprint, and Rainbow Striped are bringing top dollar at local shows and malls. Shopping on a budget? With a little extra time and effort it is still possible to find Pyrex at garage sales, resale shops and flea market, but buyer beware. A quality antique dealer will normally sell only mint pieces, but at lesser venues this is not always the case. Take your time and examine each piece. Pyrex was manufactured for everyday use so chipping and scratches are common.
Classic rock is alive and well. There appears to be a growing interest among young people in acquiring original copies of their favorite albums from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin The Rolling Stones, and other groups that topped the charts in the 60s and 70s. Vinyl is an excellent archival medium which makes records from this era, that have not been exposed to the elements, sound as good in 2016 as it did in 1966! With a resurgence in the sale of vinyl has come a growing demand for turntables. While new versions are available, it is commonly more frugal to go the route of a reconditioned vintage turntable.
MCM furniture. With its unassuming lines and quality construction, the Scandinavian furniture of the 60s and 70s is a perfect match for both the lifestyle and the budget of those furnishing their first home. From the Knoll’s office chairs of “The Daily Show” set to the streamlined sofas filling the living rooms of “Mad Men,” MCM furnishings have been an intricate part of the television viewing of the the 20 and 30-something crowd, and it is apparent that they like what they’ve seen! It has been my observation that area auctions are seeing a growing number of young furniture buyers filling the seats previously occupied by their parents. Wise shopping indeed, as auction prices will normally run 40-50 percent less than retail.
Vintage luggage. Good pieces of 70s Samsonite stacked beside a sofa makes a great-looking end table while providing instant storage. Set a trunk in front of that sofa and you have even more storage and a unique cocktail table. The possibilities are endless. Resale shops, yard sales, and Facebook sale pages are you best bet for finding a bargain. Concerned about the musty smell? Wipe the case down with mild soap and warm water, dry thoroughly and then set a bowl of baking soda inside and close it up for 48 hours. Voila! April fresh!
With a budget minded spirit and an eye towards preserving the past, collectors continue to collect today, as they have for generations. The Millennials are just doing it their way. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
