Lucky Store, Dietikon Brocki

After realising too late that Atelier 23 in Dietikon had unexpectedly moved, I was a little peeved. I aimlessly wandered about Dietikon, and stumbled upon Lucky Store Brocki.

A small brocki across the street from the Migros mall (Löwenzentrum), it actually has a pretty decent selection of just about everything! I saw a gorgeous 70-80's grey polyester dress, which was, tragically, several sizes too small. I wanted to take a photo of it, but it seemed rude. I only managed to get a couple of snaps. I was the only person in there, and the owner/employee was really, really sweet to me. I guess I could have asked, but I was tired from walking from the Fahrweid Brockiland.

I think the shop was just opening or reopening when I arrived, sometime around 13:00. I made a few purchases: 3 scarves and a ring. The ring was 5.50, and each scarf was 1.50 Fr. each (so 10 Fr. in total).

Apparently I've got a thing for white polka dots on blue....

Prices were reasonable and comparable, and selection of everything was pretty good, given the size of the store.

It's a small shop, so here's a small list of pros and cons and strategies:

PROS:

• quite an expansive selection in a deceptively large space (looks smaller from the outside)
• friendly proprietor (helpful and amiable)
• nearby a free toilet (Löwenzentrum)
• comparable pricing to other brocki's
• crowded, but a 'clean' feeling to the place (unlike Brockiland, for example!)
• there's apparently a 25% discount on Fridays and Saturdays after 10CHF

CONS:

• opening hours seem late in the day (and no website to confirm these)
• it's located in Dietikon, which is a little out of my way
• crowded and cramped interior (but large selection!)
• no change room, though there's an out of the way corner that I was welcome to make use of

STRATEGIES:

• I would wager that you could ask for a slight 'bulk' discount if you were making many purchases here (I'm not big on haggling, but I think if you asked politely you may be able to strike a small deal if you bought several items at once)
• I wouldn't make a special trip out here, but if you're in Dietikon near Löwenzentrum, be sure to cross the street and have a gander
• Proprietor very helpful - I think she'd be happy to help you find something if you asked for recommendations or a specific type of item
• window displays have interesting items - they're easier to see from outside (do this first?)

Shop has DVDs, glassware, decorative items, men's and women's clothing and shoes, bed linens, tea services, kitchen utensils, jewelry and accessories, and some small furniture. 


Hopefully 'Lucky Store' will be lucky for you!

TiZ

Dietikon Flohmarkt

I accompanied my friend to the Dietikon Flohmarkt, where she often has a table for secondhand-wares. We went on a sunny Saturday morning, the last day of May. 

General Impressions from the one Saturday I went here:

• Medium-sized flea-market with approximately 25 to 30 vendors
• Great location right next to the bahnhof
• Wonderful people watching - all sorts of people here, all ethnicities and backgrounds and ages and languages. 
• Not many specialty booths (though one very nice man sold bikes and did bicycle repairs, and another man sold mostly tools for woodworking and general use).
• No new or handicrafts-only booths - all were secondhand
• No food booths (within the flea-market area) selling baked goods or preserves or that sort of thing (which is a pity)
• Lots of clothing, shoes and jewelry, ranging from real gemstones (my friend sells the good stuff!) at a high price point (but still very reasonable!) to very cheap and chintzy costume jewelry (which I don't mind, either!).
• Clothing was occasionally very reasonably priced (4 Fr. for jeans and pants at my friend's table, and a 3 Fr. rack at another stall - less than Brockiland!), with some pieces going for considerably more. The range of clothing (quality, pricing) was quite large, which makes for nice browsing. (I should mention that I wasn't tempted to buy anything, however! Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but I didn't see anything that caught my eye. There were a lot of purchases made, though!)
• LOVE the fruit & veggie & flower market next door - had the most delicious strawberries, and really good prices for peonies (5 stems for 10 Fr., or thereabouts, compared to 3 stems for 10 at Migro or COOP, etc.), as well as single-stem roses (various colours and types) for just 3 Fr. (I'm told by my friend that in a florist's shop here they would range from 5 to 8 Fr. for a single stem!)
• Free toilet in the mall (Löwenzentrum), near the entrance to the Migros Restaurant.

I took a few photos:

Very dog-friendly atmosphere!

I thought these pillows were a great way to reuse unloved doilies. I also think that this project is a good use for them - maybe I'll get around to making one for myself!

And here are some photos of the fruit/veg & flower market area (very nice - small, but lovely):

We arrived and set up just before 09:00, but many (most) vendors were already up and running by then. Stalls were dismantled at various times, the first being deconstructed just before 13:00. We packed up at 15:00, and most others had started deconstruction around this time, too.

So, based on just one (sunny) Saturday at the end of May, I'm going to very tentatively advise an early start (08:00-08:30 or earlier - my friend tells me that some stalls are open by 07:00!) and say that the peak hours are roughly 09:00 - noon. :)

I saw a few sellers very early on running around frantically asking for other vendors to make change for them (which many were loathe to do, by virtue of the importance of having small change themselves!), so maybe that can be a tip: bring a wide range of cash, from small bills to large, and include many coins!

Here are a couple of other tips based upon my observations on this one day:

• Don't forget to dig through bins and boxes (if you're invited to do so!) - only one or two customers bothered to dig in my friend's bin of t-shirts, etc. I personally don't like having to squat down and dig, but it's good to remember that very few people actually do this - so it's to your advantage if you do! (Tip to sellers: don't make people dig in bins! 95% of them won't be bothered!)
• Don't eschew one booth because their prices are much higher than the next - look at each item and consider it based on its own merits and cost. You might miss something that costs 5 Fr. more that is a much better deal than something 'günstiger'! Maybe it's wise to choose Brocki's and shops in this manner, but I suspect it's unwise to just skip a table altogether. With a small selection, like at a flea-market, you should look for WHAT you're interested in and what it costs, not 'where stuff is cheapest'. There's just not going to be enough items on offer to make the 'cheapest booth' option a rational one!
• Don't assume that the clothing at a particular booth is all the same size. While much of it might be the same size as the previous owner (possibly the seller), I can say that my friend's booth had quite a few other size options as well as her own in the mix. I saw a couple of rude ladies wave a dismissive hand at the rack and say, "Alles zu grosse!", when, in fact, they were quite wrong! Most would have been too big, but there were some petite garments in there as well.
• Be POLITE and NICE to the vendors! They have to stand there, all day, dealing with some really unpleasant people and serious cheapskates trying to undercut their already slim margins: renting a space at this flohmarkt costs something like 20+ Fr.! That means that a 20 Fr. profit is going to make them break even, and probably they'll require 30 or 35 Fr. to truly break even when you take into account fuel prices, parking fees and coffee! (It makes me rethink the idea of ever renting a table of my own! Urgh!). Customers who said "Good Morning" (in any language) and smiled were far more likely to receive the seller's full attention and assistance, and even their recommendations for similar or related items that may not have been on display. Also, I would suggest that these people were more likely to get a small discount (though my friend makes a point of not doing that often - like I said, the margins are razor thin!). So be nice and pleasant and you'll have a better time of it, potentially in multiple aspects!
• BYOB (bring your own bag). Many sellers don't have a glut of plastic bags at their disposal.
• Ask the vendor directly if you're looking for something in particular. Or ask if there's anything in your size (for clothing). You can save a lot of time, and you might just happen to be asking for something they have but didn't bring that day.
• Don't go with the idea that you're looking for 1 to 2 Fr. price tags only. You can, but you'll be walking away with the 'junk' for the most part! Expect to pay some money, and think about the RETAIL price - even if it's relatively 'expensive', it might still be 40-50% less than you could buy it from the store. Don't miss out on good buys that are in the 10-40 Fr. range just because there are lots of tchotchkes for 2 Fr.! No one needs more tchotchkes, no matter how cheap they are!

I also noticed that many of the vendors were also buyers from their compatriot's tables. ;) Which suggests that they're avid thrifters too, and, that they think the other vendors are selling something of value. So if ever you were tempted to write off the vendors as 'rip-off artists', be assured that this isn't the case (or they'd be wise to the scheme and wouldn't be shopping at the flohmarkt!).
 
I actually haven't been (properly) to any other flohmarkts in Zürich yet, with the exception of a quick spin through the one at Bürkiplatz last fall. But I'll try my best to visit them and give a post on the ones I see. With a little more experience, perhaps I can give some more useful 'comparative' information!

'til next time,

TiZ

Thrift Math

Sometimes, we make mistakes while shopping. Some are little mistakes and some are bigger - and the bigger ones always seem to be 'the ones that got away', i.e. the one purchase you didn't (or couldn't) make.

While we can't guarantee that we'll never make another shopping mistake, we can reduce our chances by trying to apply a little logic to the process!

I've come up with this tentative 'formula' (I can't really bring myself to call it an actual formula, being such an arbitrary value and having no units!). I'm interested to see if I'll amend it, as I gain wisdom with my experiences (or so I hope!).

THRIFT VALUE = CONDITION OF ITEM x (% SAVINGS FROM RETAIL) x n

where n is the perceived value to the buyer (includes rarity (ease of finding same or similar item) and all the emotional attachment stuff that isn't very logical but I'd be stupid to omit that as a real variable!). Remaining useful lifespan is directly proportional to condition of item!

Does that make sense to you? Here's another way of saying the same:

A great thrift buy is:

• excellent value for your money (neither expensive or inexpensive itself, but much cheaper than you could get it elsewhere, new... and sometimes even used!)
• in perfect condition (or in near-perfect condition considering its age, etc.)
• useful or purposeful or bought to fill a specific need that existed prior to you discovering the item
• not so much an impulse buy but a carefully weighed purchase (even if the process of 'discovery' to 'desire' to 'purchase' takes just 5 minutes (or less!), you've still thought hard about it from many angles!)
• something you love (not like, not think is something you should like, or something other people like (unless you're planning to resell or gift it rightaway), or something you're not quite sure about but WOW WHAT A DEAL!). If you don't absolutely love it and it's not the greatest thing you've ever seen, then be very cautious - there are lots of good deals out there, you don't need to take advantage of all (or even most!) of them!

A poor thrift buy is:

• something you bought because you felt like buying something but didn't really put any thought into it
• something you don't need or have a good and frequent use for
• something in poor condition that needs a lot of work, or something that has a very short remaining lifespan
• something you don't have room to store
• something you can't picture working in several settings (particularly clothes and jewelry. Works with just one outfit? Red flag!)
• something with moving parts that you can't get some sort of warranty or limited return policy for 
• something super cheap for 1 Fr. - sometimes these cheap-o deals are the BIGGEST wastes of money (quite often, actually!). Don't be seduced by the low price! If it's useless, it's worthless - not worth 1 Fr. but 0 Fr.!

One thing to keep in mind is the PRICE of the item. This is very important! It's either more than you can (or should) afford, and therefore out of reach (that's ok - let it go), or it's above budget but doable, or it's right in the 'easily attainable' range, or it's a 'total steal' because it's so cheap.

PRICE ≠ VALUE! 

For example, my friend makes some of the jewelry she sells. She buys semi-precious stones (not cheap, oh my goodness they cost a pretty penny!) for beads, and so the cost of her bracelets and necklaces can be 50 Fr. - 100 Fr. Not cheap in terms of flohmarkt prices! BUT, she's totally fair in saying that they are a good deal at that price - they would cost considerably more in a retail outfit!

Similarly, she is selling a real garnet and silver ring (gorgeous: 100 Fr.), emerald and silver (hallmarked, of course!) earrings for 80 Fr., and a huge Tanzanite ring (I don't know how many carats! Lots!) for 400 Fr. or something.

Yes, those are very big price tags by flohmarkt standards. They're certainly not within my budget. BUT, they are actually still very good value for money, if you're into 'echte' jewelry!

It's important to remember that something expensive isn't necessarily good value (could be a rip-off). Alternatively, something that is very expensive might actually still be much, much cheaper than it would be anywhere else (and therefore is great value!). 

Similarly, something cheap might be a complete rip-off at 1 Fr. But for some reason, and I can speak for myself as well here, we don't value our 1 Fr. coins as we should. Remember the old adage: A penny saved is a penny earned!

Don't let people rip-off your 1 Fr. coins. Protect them. Save them. Put them to good use! Careless purchases can eat away at your thrift budget - make sure you're putting your money to the best possible use!

Hope it helps you with your next prospective purchase! Shop smart, thrifty friends! Shop smart at high prices and at low ones, too! :)

TiZ

Brockiland Fahweid (Dietikon)

Coming close on the heels of my Brockiland post is this, a post dedicated to Brockiland Fahrweid-Dietikon!

Brockiland Fahrweid-Dietikon doesn't have a street address, which is a little disconcerting to those who have made a special trek to this out-of-the-way location. So I've pasted a Google Map that I modified below so you can easily find it on "Überlandstrasse" in Fahrweid: 
 

The walking route from the Bahnhof (green) used to take you right past another Brocki, Atelier 23. Then they moved the bloody thing without telling anyone. So I showed up, in the pouring rain... bah! ;) The full walk from the bahnhof to Brockiland takes about 20 minutes. The closest bus stop is "Fahrweid, Limmatbruecke" (301, 302, 304 all from the Dietikon Bahnhof), and the walking route from there is shown in yellow. Either way, wear comfy shoes! Orange is the construction area out front (not pictured on Google). Click image to enlarge.

Currently, a construction site with a tall red crane is obscuring the store from the roadway.

As it is with the downtown Brockiland, a most unwelcoming entryway!

I took a gazillion photos for your visual interest.... :)

The entryway. Loving the COOP shopping baskets!

Some very grand furniture, some with grand price tags too (literally, 1000's)

The cream-coloured sofa was something like 300 Fr, while the near one was 850. 

Clothing and textiles are upstairs.

 

"Other stuff" (I don't know what to call it!) is upstairs on the other side. Sporting equipment, garden hoses and tools, suitcases, animal cages, more chairs, canes, baskets, rocking deer (like a rocking horse, but not a horse!) and other assorted things are banished to this out of the way area.

Friday, around noon. Very busy!

So many books!

I loved so many of these awesome retro plates.

I wanted an excuse to buy the creepy kissing lamp! Couldn't find a valid one, though.

I was tempted by this "Grandmother's Cookbook" until I realised I couldn't read any of it. Note the book price list above.

Belts are now apparently 2.50 Fr. (2 for 5 Fr.), according to a Steinstrasse price list!

Some belts I tried but decided to leave behind. The red one was cute, though!

The Steinstrasse list at Fahrweid! Hmm! Prices being standardized, maybe?

I could've bought a bunch of scarves. Kind of wish I had, now!

WHAT is a Molton?! I have THREE different Schweizer-Deutsch dictionaries and none of them have 'em! A Google image search suggests to me that it's a mattress pad?!

Again, not Steinstrasse. :)

Some very retro tablecloths!

Nice wall hangings and cushion-covers! Nice as in 'nifty' - not my thing, personally!

Fabric for 10 Fr.... or pillowcases for 2 Fr.! ;)

Pretty sure I spotted a winning entry into an ugly sweater contest!

In Switzerland, they don't have rocking horses but rocking deer!

Upstairs, on the 'stuff' side.

See? Stuff. Don't know how to better label it!

Lots more dining chair sets upstairs!

Looking down at the cash desk.

The main floor, from above.

Rather than rehash all of my Brockiland pros, cons and strategies, I'll simply summarize the differences between the two sites.

Notable differences in the Fahrweid Brockiland compared to the Steinstrasse 'Main' Brockiland:

• Larger selection of (and floor space dedicated to) furniture
• Industrial warehouse and not an underground parkade (has two 'upstairs' that do not connect - one side is large household items and small furniture (left of the entrance), and the other side is linens and clothing)
• Stairs are rickety - hold on to the bannisters!
• Altogether less dank and musty than 'main' Brockiland
• Has a self-serve coffee-machine cafe (!) within it!
• Less selection of everything, with the exception of furniture
• Pricing is different - not necessarily more or less expensive, though
• Baskets by the door are assorted (colours, from different stores, etc.), not the uniform grey 'Brockiland' ones you see downtown. These aren't for sale (I don't think!), these are for your shopping at Brockiland, even if they say 'Migros' or 'COOP' on them ;)
• Lots of parking and bike racks outside (though I'd be worried that people might think the bikes are for sale!)
• Definitely harder to get to, and no amenities nearby (unless you count the Shell petrol station!)

There are many, many similarities to the downtown Brockiland, too, including crazy old people who will drive you mental (some aren't even old), general squalor and scuzziness of the place and the items, the lady on the till is also English speaking and also black and is also a sweetheart, and the pricing is, as usual, ultimately determined by the lady at the cash desk. 

Good deals here are the clothes (less competition for them, but also less selection) and the belts (now 2 for 5 Fr.). Washcloths (GREAT for cleaning rags!) are 0.50 each, which I loaded up on once. I've also found a few bowls and other serving ware here, though there really does seem to be less selection than downtown.

All of this for 24 Fr.! My bar at home is so awesome now! 2 champagne flutes, 2 white wine glasses, an AWESOME decanter, 2 tumblers, and 4 gold and coloured glass cocktail glasses! Sweet deal!

BEST DEAL EVER was... okay, I'm exaggerating. I'm on such a thrifting high from my visit today, that I have to gush enthusiasm for the place! BAR-WARE. Seriously - decanters, wine glasses, champagne glasses, tumblers, scotch glasses, brandy glasses, cocktail glasses galore!!!!

I got all of this, textiles too (4 pillowcases, 2 monogrammed handkerchiefs (for a friend - can you guess her name?!), and a tea towel I'm going to use as a table runner) for 24 Fr. TWENTY-FOUR! VIER UND ZWANZIG! :D

I did a little happy dance. I didn't get the nice black lady from Schlieren (she had another sweet lady step in for her, a short white lady with curly black hair), but I was still treated very well indeed! Even with my awful Deutsch! :) 

Plants and planters by the entrance

That's all from me on Brockiland Fahrweid! Enjoy your trip wayyyyyyy out here! I hope it's worthwhile!

TiZ