Bazaar Gilman

The first time I was here, which was last month, I did not find anything that caught my eye, but two of my GF’s bought a few items at bargain prices. I guess I wasn’t feeling it at the time to spend money at a place that looked similar to what one might see in the old TV series, «Sanford & Son» back in the days. However, yesterday I did a returned trip with my two GF’s to browse and yes, there were a few items that perked my interest.
There is a saying…“what’s one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. Since there is no such thing as a 3.5 star rating for this unique place on Gilman Street where you can buy, sell, trade, and/​or consign items, I have decided to go with a three star. There is a big difference in presentation of the items on hand compared to what you see in huge and/​or luxurious department stores. Entering the bazaar you can browse and shop with no pressure. Though there is clutter all around, it is to be expected at an outdoor gypsy flea market with an assortment of gently used clothes (sweaters — $ 9 each or $ 15 for two), knick/​knacks, plates, glasswares, toys (games, stuffed animals, etc.), baskets, ceramic items, even crystal ware. They even carry used books, albums, VHS movie tapes. Some of the items are a little pricey, such as the nice crystal candy jar with lid for $ 24. (The last time I bought one of those was over 15 years ago and it was $ 10 at the old Emporium in Downtown Oakland.) At a bazaar, prices on items are negotiable, but you can’t do that in a department store.
Sometimes the stuffiness of department stores and overbearing sales associates are not my «cup of tea»; thus, I find an outdoor bazaar is somewhat relaxing and soothing as a cup of tea.

Bazaar Gilman may have neat trueasures, but watch out for the rugs thrown down on the ground. They neatly conceal flagstone pavers, which my mom just tripped over and fell face first into the ground. No so funny ha-​ha though. She cut her eyebrow open and bruised her face.
But the real problem is the on-​staff employee, clearly not the owner. Didn’t catch his name before I was so insulted by his behavior that I escorted my mom out and left that cheesy nightmare. He deflected all responsibility and refused to move the rug. I told him to watch out because next time, someone might sue. He promptly accused me of threatening to sue and he «was way too smart to get caught up in that. You be fishing to sue or something.» No, actually, I was saying do something proactive before the next injury sustained was more serious. He walked away from me claiming, «Not my problem. I’m not the owner.»
When I attempted to call the listed phone number to contact the owner, the number does *not* accept incoming calls. Um… all a bit sketchy. So, when shopping at Bazaar Gilman, watch your step and your back…