Usually held in March, The Chiselers Annual Market Day offers a broad selection of second-hand household items, jewelry, collectibles, books, furniture, & more, inside the University of Tampa's Plant Hall, with a small selection of art & plants (separately) on the east portico. Items are donated, and most are gently used. Prices are similar to thrift stores, however, as with any shopping experience, some values are greater than others... but every penny goes toward a great cause! The Chiselers are a non-profit volunteer group that raises funds for the restoration & preservation of Plant Hall, and they also offer an annual scholarship for University of Tampa students; Market Day is their largest fundraising event of the year, only made possible by countless members' volunteer hours organizing, pricing & staffing for this event.
Though the doors open promptly at 9am, we plan to arrive around 8am to get in line. Two lines queue on the west side of Plant Hall and one line forms on the east side overlooking UT's riverfront grounds. Parking can be challenging, but I've found the adjacent lot (immediately west of PH) to have plenty of open spots if I arrive by 8:15am. Also on the west side are a few food trucks serving before & during the sale (never tried any).
#ProTip: Credit cards ARE accepted, but I try to also bring cash because often the cash-only check-out lines are shorter.
Another #ProTip: Certain areas have a separate cashiers, so it can be advantageous to plan ahead if you're looking for something specific. For example, costume jewelry is located within the Bargain Room (far north end of Plant Hall), but there's a long line to get into that section and you have to pay for your selections before you leave the space. Since I already have too many knick-knacks, books, & used furniture (& hubs says no more of those things, though I can, & do, hide books), I've been targeting this jewelry area the last few years - always worth the wait; even if some items don't survive one wearing (most could be repaired but I'm lazy), I buy enough that I always end up with several well-made pieces & sets that I wear often (spending only $60-$80). There's also a separate fine jewelry area in the hallway but I've never checked out those offerings because I love the more-interesting-to-me vintage costume jewelry. That said, my advice stands for that section as well as the separate furniture area, and the book room, plus collectibles in the lobby, and the art & plants on the east portico.
Which leads me to my next #ProTip: Furniture is very cutthroat, because every year quite a few pieces are interesting early- to mid-century items in pretty good condition & outrageously inexpensive... definitely get in line early if you want the best selection. Also, bring a truck (or friend with a truck)... same day pick up is mandatory, though items will be held until early afternoon.
One more #ProTip: Bring a shopping bag! My mom brings a small hand cart & other people do this as well but I find them hazardous. Some shoppers bring really big ones, too, which are terrible for everyone else. You'll get a plastic bag AFTER paying, but that's not helpful WHILE shopping.
Final #ProTip: Find the holding area, especially if you couldn't park close. I can't remember if they charge a small fee or if I tip, but either way, it's definitely worth the couple of dollars to not have to carry my purchases. The last few years, the holding area has been in the grass near the north west entrance of Plant Hall.
I can't quite remember when I first began shopping at The Chiselers Annual Market Day at the University of Tampa, but one of my earliest visits was with my newborn son strapped to me about 25 years ago. Since then, this sale has become an annual tradition for my family - my mom & my sister usually meet me there, and sometimes hubs & a kid or two will tag along to shop for bargains & treasures. We always have a fun morning! read more
