Windows displaying vintage coffee tables give way to an endless realm of bargain hunting. The walls, painted with vinyl records, hold shelves littered with tea cups and a substantial supply of collectible VHS tapes.
Started in 2009, the Gotham Thrift shop on Myrtle Avenue has thrived under the management of 32-year-old Alberto Caseda and his wife but there have been hard times.
Caseda, a former accounting major at Baruch College, said that leaving his previous bank job was the best decision he ever made.
“You become your own boss with the position I’m in,” Caseda said, “There’s a brand new level of flexibility and freedom and people like junk. I mean, I like junk.”
Though starting a business selling “junk” might seem difficult in a neighborhood like Ridgewood where living costs are increasing exponentially, Caseda stressed the ease of his business’ beginning.
“Let’s face it, this is still a middle class, family oriented neighborhood,” Caseda said, as he polished a vintage cigar ash tray, “Everything is so expensive now that people are always looking for some kind of discount or deal.”
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“Sure, thrift shops carry the reputation of things that people see and think ‘hey that’s cool’,” Caseda explained, “but people need things too. They don’t always want to pay full price.”
Above all, Caseda said his business thrives because he holds his relationship with his customers high on his list of priorities.
“I had a guy in here who collected brass lamps. I had another guy in here who would buy vintage straight edged razors. Others can’t get a hold of that stuff but it’s those same guys who come in time after time who are greatly responsible for keeping us afloat.”
Susan Walsh, a 49 – year old baker, spoke of her professional dealings with Albert and his wife. “My grandson,” she said, “He’s just like his father, he likes to collect these silly Nintendo games.”
“So we come here a few times a month and Al is always smiling wide when he sees us,” Walsh said, “He shows me the new games he has and I clean him out. Then I go home with them and yell at my son because I feel like these things are rotting his brain.”
Caseda appreciates his customers. “People who want these types of things,” Caseda said, as he showcased his rare jazz records, “It adds a different dimension to this profession. I could get everything for everyone and I could get that one thing that a particular person wants.”
The customer base of Gotham Thrift Shop is the sole reason that Caseda goes to rummage sales and state auctions to find items at a premium or free of charge that he can then price up but keep within a reasonable price range.
“It’s challenging to price things sometimes,” Caseda explained, “Sometimes things are priced way down. Like the cigar trays we get for free from a monthly rummage sale in Brooklyn. All of a sudden, a $45 ash tray becomes $8. I’m always willing to work with people, though, to make things more affordable. Obviously, I have to profit but I don’t get greedy.”
There were no signs that the shop was struggling as customers packed the wide hall with old items to be sold, items to buy, and trinkets to be repaired. If there is a low point for business, it is during the winter in when Caseda cannot get inventory on account of there being fewer auctions and sales. Caseda made it clear that his business does very well and his family chips in when results are unsatisfactory.
“My dad chips in. I have two step kids and they chip in if I’m not profiting as much as I’d like to,” Caseda said, “Gotham isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. People will always want junk and they will always buy junk.”
