Circa Gallery

Score one more point for this kick-​ass stretch of Sansom St.
I walked by Circa Gallery many times and absentmindedly wondered what it was before finally wandering in one day. Turns out it’s a thrift/​vintage shop– and the best kind. It’s packed from top to bottom with interesting books, curiosities, housewares, clothing and memorabilia. If you come in looking for something specific, I’m not sure you’ll find it, but I bet you’ll find at least one really unique thing you didn’t know you needed until now.
The owner also does a great job of displaying seasonal items out front for Halloween and other holidays.
I have a hunch this is a labor of love — perhaps the owner owns the building as well — because I can’t see this little under-​the-​radar shop bringing in enough money to pay Rittenhouse rent. Regardless, I’m certainly glad it’s there.

i know i’ll regret sharing this shopping secret…
one part thrift store, one part curio cabinet, the circa gallery is set apart from others in both its sheer volume and material focus. greeted by collectors & dumspter divers alike each and every day, the owner hand-​selects the pieces he wants to purchase for his store. what impressed me most here is the theme he’s created with his taste, which lies somewhere between pack rat and industrial designer… small, detailed, balanced, and curious items line the floor, walls, surfaces, and ceilings in this cramped little store. amongst the wares included are: pots, toys, figurines, souvenirs, cast-​offs, mechanical items, picture frame, boxes of all sizes, old cameras, perfume bottles, boas, desk accessories and much much more.