Suitcase Rummage

I think it’s a pretty rad concept. A location that would usually be deserted on a sunday aside from people walking through to Queen Street, turned into an improvised bazaar.
What’s on offer isn’t anything to shout about though. Think about how poorly 16 – 25 year old Brisbane girls typically dress and then picture the clothes they considered too ugly to wear out, that’s what they’re selling at Suitcase Rummage. There was literally two guys on a stall selling menswear, a few people selling homemade arts and the rest was highschool/​uni girls selling stuff that they probably either bought from the mall next door or ASOS on sale. There was an Asian chick selling some pretty sweet tumblrcoreish threads and high platform shoes though.
Meh.

Such misleading reviews on this website. To buyers: please expect nothing more than female uni students with clothes buying problems reselling their fluro, see-​through items from Cotton On and the likes. To sellers: with $ 27 stall booking fee, please be prepared to find friends to share the stall with, and make sure you have plenty of cheap accessories, bright clothes, and killer heels to sell, otherwise you can forget about making any money. I don’t know if it’s just a bad day since it’s the Easter Weekend, but I have a lot of high quality alternative clothing that would have sold just fine on eBay. Apparently they are just not popular at all, even if you’re selling them for $ 2 apiece. I was thoroughly disappointed.

Nothing beats a Sunday of rummaging for bargains out of suitcases! The first and third of every Sunday gives you the opportunity to pick up, or get rid of, a few gems! Even if you aren’t in the market for a new look, it’s pretty fun wandering around and checking out what people are selling — there is no limit to what you will find! Prices range from 50c to $ 50+ but for the most part you can pick up something awesome for $ 5
Unfortunately, it being an outdoor event with no shelter provided you are at the mercy of the sky’s — rain or shine it goes ahead, but an umbrella and a bottle of water will never go astray here!
Don’t forget to bring cash in small notes and coins!

It says a lot about a person who can take the drab concrete Reddacliff Place and turn it into a buzzing bazaar of vintage knick-​knacks, home made arts and crafts, second hand clothing and other various trinketry. Yet, on the first Sunday of every month, Suitcase Rummage does just that.
From 11am til 5 a steady stream of loyal fans, curious wanderers and first time inspectors wander the markets where not a table is in sight. From the vintage to the modern day — everyone sells from a suitcase. There’s a certain buzz at Suitcase Rummage, an atmosphere that I’ve not experienced anywhere else.
With a coffee in hand, friends in tow it is the perfect way to spend a Sunday mid-​morning. Prices are ridiculously reasonable (real op-​shop prices. For example, $ 2 for second hand clothing, $ 5 for jeans at one stall) and there’s even tea cup candles hand made by another seller. There’s live music and I think if there were a few things like a coffee cart, and a few food stalls it’d be even better.
A word to the wise, don’t just pass by the stalls thinking you’ve seen all they have. This is a market where to find the best buys you’ll have to get down and dig through the lot to find the good stuff!

The Suitcase Rummage started over a year ago and I have gone as a shopper and as a seller. It has a good vibe and it has grown considerably. There are lots of bargains to be had as a lot of people take their old clothes, shoes, CDs and more to sell.
If you’re lucky, there may also be some people who handmake things like bags, jewellery, clothing, hair accessories, toys and the like. However, the number of handmadies going has dwindled unfortunately.
If you’re after a new closet or searching for a handmade gift, I suggest heading along! If you’re lucky there might even be a band playing!

I’ve been both a buyer and a seller at these markets, which are held monthly in the heart of Brisbane and allow anybody to sell anything (as long as its not mass produced), as long as it’s out of a suitcase. Spots are only $ 10 as a seller, and their not mass-​produced rule keeps it far superior to other market. As a seller, my product wasn’t quite right, but as a seller I’ve never failed. I’ve scored fantastic 50s dresses for $ 10, 60s plastic cups for a buck a pop, fabulous brooches and great knick knacks. It’s cheap and it’s fun, and great for a lazy mosey. It can be a little crowded so be prepared to be patient and dig for the good stuff.

Viva la flea market!
Suitcase Rummage is essentially a flea market that happens in the middle of the city. Mostly everything is the same as it is in a traditional flea market. People bring oversized bags of stuff they’re wanting to get rid off and dump it on the ground. They bring a coin purse and try to get rid of stuff for dirt cheap prices just so they don’t have to take it home with them.
What is different about Suitcase Rummage is that it’s mainly hipsters and craftspeople bringing their unwanted goods along. What’s great about this is that it’s usually your high fashion vintage hipsters who ransack op shops before you do– and so what they’re throwing out is usually pretty neat. I’ve found jelly shoes, cons, suede jackets, sherlock holmes capes, kaftans, suspenders and heaps of other cool stuff here. I even found a Hypercolour shirt once. Yes!
What’s more is that you get to enjoy sweet old school tunes that they play while you walk around in the open air market. Billie Holliday serenades all the marketeers and market goers with smooth ballads about being a fool in love.
It’s a seriously neat thing to do in the city when it’s on. It is the main reason why I can totally get behind the new King George Square. The council promised it would be a more user friendly events space, and well, to their credit, it is.

The first Sunday of every month is marked in pink highlight in my diary. No, I don’t go to church, but I am religious about my monthly visit to the Suitcase Rummage at the top of the mall. Anyone can register for this event and all you have to do is bring a suitcase (or three) filled with things you want to sell. The emphasis is on vintage and handmade and the atmosphere is very communal and warm. The spirit of these markets isn’t about making as much money as you can, but about selling your wares and enjoying yourself as you chat to browsers and sellers. So far, I’ve only browsed but I have two suitcases full of clothes I’m selling waiting until next month’s Suitcase Rummage.
I think the Suitcase Rummage is a really awesome idea and it’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday with friends whether you browse together or sell together. The variety of goodies that you will see tumbling out of overflowing suitcases is overwhelming and gets you revved up to hunt for something to take home. I’ve NEVER left these markets empty-​handed (but hopefully will when I’m a seller!). If you have stuff that you’ve made or stuff that you don’t want or need anymore, get some friends together, grab a shady umbrella and a coffee, and spend your Sunday at the Suitcase Rummage.

You know the saying «One man’s trash is another man’s treasure»? Suitcase Rummage is a perfect example of that. I try not to miss any suitcase rummages as it has almost replaced my thrift shopping/​vintage shopping addiction. The rummage is held every first Sunday of the month, so make you make a note of it in your calendar.
The Concept of Suitcase Rummage is simple; people fill up their suitcases with whatever «trash» they don’t need whilst others «rummage» through and buy items at whatever price the seller asks for. You can participate by holding your own stall or by visiting the stalls and shopping your heart out. I have participated both ways and have always enjoyed myself.
One tip I will give to stall holders is don’t try and sell your clothes for too much; if you are charging more than $ 15 for a shirt then you are not going to sell much since there are other people selling things shirts for $ 2!
Every time I visit Suitcase Rummage, I will come home with a whole bunch of treasures.

Spring cleaned your closet and have a pile of old clothes that you’re desperate to get rid of? Clothes too good to donate? Your answer is Suitcase Rummage!
Suitcase Rummage comes around every first Saturday of each month and is geared towards vintage and bargain lovers. Stall holders need to pay a $ 10 fee, and with that you score a spot amongst other holders settling in for the long haul (12pm-​5pm), rain* or shine. The beauty of Suitcase Rummage is its authentic, market-​feel. Stall holders cannot bring marquees, clothes racks, or anything that may suggest the typical shopping or market experience. Rummagers are encouraged to do just that — rummage — in the suitcases of clothing and knick knacks stall holders have on offer.
Arts and crafters are also encouraged to set up stall here too, as long as their products uphold the authentic market feel Suitcase Rummage aspires towards (and nails), so this is the perfect place to pick up a gift or two.
When I went it was February and incredibly hot. The organisers managed to round up a whole bunch of free Weis ice cream bars to share around. I also made up to $ 150 that day, which is more success than I’ve ever had at any other market.
Suitcase Rummage is usually held at Reddacliff Place, the open area outside the Brisbane library. Stall holders are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks for during the day, but there are plenty of options around the city to keep you satisfied.
*If there’s torrential rain, and the rummage definitely can’t go ahead, the organisers will give all sellers and rummagers prior notice via email, or on their website.

By far one of my most favourite thrifting events on the calendar
Suitcase rummage is THE place to sell your old wares (or to pick up new ones!)
This market is heaving with cheap vintage, bric-​à-​brac, CD’s,
DVD’s, comics, zines and all manner of art and craft.
(I can guarantee you will need to set aside a full day to
adequately peruse all that is on display.)
If you are thinking of joining as a stallholder
be aware that there are some stringent rules in place.
For one you can’t just mosey on off when you get a bit bored
the organisers prowl around and insist you stay put til the 5pm close.
NO stands, booths or clothes rails are allowed, everything has to be
sold out of a suitcase (preferably vintage, to keep up with the aesthetics.)
I’ve had stalls here a couple of times and can vouch for the
friendly, low-​hassle vibe about the place.
The best aspect about these markets is the range of crafting goods
that are available. Ideal for home or to give as unique gifts and all at bargain prices.
A definite must-​do in brisbane!