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This shop is a treasure trove. If you get round to visiting, let me know. I'd dig to find out what you bought.

MARYMANDY ECLECTIC EMPORIUM

A friend Mandy saw my recent posts about thrift and second hand stores around Durban and suggested I pay a vist to her spot in Ballito when I get a chance. Well, I had a couple of hours free on Saturday morning and felt like a mini road-trip up the coast. Mandy co-owns Mary Mandy with her Mom and has carefully curated a wide range of items from small and large pieces of furniture to shoes, accessories and clothing. Open 6 days a week, the shop is located next to Food Matters in The Well, Ballito. Directions to the store are as follows. If you take the M4 into Ballito, you will get to a set of traffic lights just before the Lifestyle Centre. Turn right at the lights and on your immediate left you will see a centre called The Well. MaryMandy are next door to popular restaurant Food Matters. If you like what you see why not join their group on Facebook or take a drive up that side next weekend.

NUGGETS 'N GEMS

Thought I'd add another installment in my review of thrift and second hand stores in Durban. Nuggets 'n Gems was formerly called Hidden Treasures and was located on the corner of Clark and Bulwer Roads. The premises are currently occupied by a great little shop Mooi. Nuggets 'n Gems are very much a charity shop so expect to find donated goods mostly. In terms of second hand furniture, there's not too much. The shop is worth a visit if you're looking for books, clothes and other bits and pieces. I noticed one or two classics on the shelves and although there wasn't much for guys in terms of clothing, there were two full rails for the ladies to browse. It's a small store but there's quite a bit to dig through. Have a look if you're in the area. The shop might be a bit difficult to find as it's at the very beginning of Bulwer Road. Your best bet is drive up Berea and hang a left into Bulwer Road after the robots near the Durban University of Technology.

Address: 9 Bulwer Road, Glenwood
Call: 031 466 4994 or 079 130 9811 / 078 800 2812
Open: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 16:30
Saturday - 9:00 - 12:30
Closed Sundays

FISH HOEK THRIFT STORE FIND

We visited the Cape a year or two ago as a family. We managed to hook my aunts car for our time down there which was great. As the spot we stayed in was in Simonskloof we spent most of our time, traipsing around Kalk Bay, Simonstown, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie and Scarborough. My father however was far more interested in hitting every little antique, thrift or second store in every town. I didn't mind so much as I'm into that sort of thing but the women weren't so pleased, preferring shopping over scrounging dusty corners for treasures. These are only about half of them but I picked up a pack of these 7.5 cm x 5.5 cm cigarette cards for real cheap. I love the way they look and think I'll blow one or two up one day and frame them. Just need my own spot. oh, and full credit to anyone who can say that title three times fast. Go!

TWICE ROUND / CITY BUY & SELL

Years ago, when I first began blogging I planned to post a little something about some of the second stores and thrift shops I frequented. I never got around to getting it done. Well, now I have. These are my first two reviews. If you lot have any suggestions, pop me a mail or leave a comment and I’ll check it out.



TWICE ROUND

Twice Round, situated in Durban North, is super easy to find and has dished me up some great items over the years. I picked up a pair of low wood and leather teak chairs there a couple of years ago for R130. When I visited them recently the owners greeted me and asked if they could help. That's always nice. I always get freaked out when the help follow me around or are keeping an eye on me as if I'm going sneak something into my pocket and bolt for the door. Not so here. Help here is always at hand but never in your face or super watchful. I'm always free to browse. This is the store to hit if you're looking for pieces of furniture to add to your current home furniture, like single chairs or a little retro coffee table, although they do stock larger pieces like bookshelves and headboards, and smalls like tea-sets and deco ashtrays. They are essentially a second hand furniture and appliance store, so if you're looking to thrift some cool threads you'll have to look elsewhere. All in all I dig this place heaps. They even have a bird-feeder outside, so you know they’re good people.

Address: Shop 1, Ellis Park Centre, 1 Romsey Grove, Durban North.
Call: 031 564 8608 Email: twiceround@gmail.com
Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 17:00
Saturday - 8:30 – 12:30
Closed Sundays



CITY BUY & SELL

City Buy & Sell has only been open for a short while, and as I hadn’t had a browse I popped in to have a look see. Again the staff and manager were friendly. The store stocks furniture, kitchenware and crockery, and a range of other goods. I also saw a second-hand Pentax P30 that I’ve got my eye on. Need to just do a little research and see whether it’s worth the buy. When I asked them to reserve it for me there was no major process, they just asked for my name, that’s it. Towards the back of the store they’ve got a few bookshelves with second hand books. I picked three I liked, headed to pay and the owner asked how much I wanted to pay for them. I gave my price and he said that was it was too much and said “Take them for R20”. Kind guy.
They’re new but definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Address: 19A Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Durban North.
Call: 031 563 2901/3
Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 14:30
Saturday - 7:30 - 14:00
Closed Sundays