ALEXANDRIA, VA-In mid-May a new shop called Stardust Vintage & Gifts (located at 1904 Mt. Vernon Ave.) will open in Del Ray. (LaBrocante will relocate next door.) The proprietor is Amy Eggers, a member of the DRBA Board, who is well known in the neighborhood’s business community.
“Stardust Vintage & Gifts will sell vintage home goods, plus select items from curated flea market vendors as well as upcycled goods made from vintage items,” Eggers told The Zebra.
Eggers, a fourth-generation resident of Del Ray, attributes her entrepreneurial spirit to her grandfather, who owned several warehouses in Del Ray, including one at the location of Dog’s Best Friends. She followed in his footsteps after losing her longtime job in 2019.
The idea for creating a flea market emerged during a conversation that year over drinks with her friend, Dr. Lauren Fisher, the founder of Del Ray Psych & Wellness. Fisher had a parking lot that became the home of the flea market. Upon hearing about Egger and Fisher’s eureka moment, Amy’s husband, Mark Eggers, enthusiastically joined his wife in the new venture.
Domino Design Magazine recognized Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market (1900 Mount Vernon Ave.) in its Summer 2022 issue as the best flea market in Virginia. Vendors from several nearby states sell their unique goods there. The Eggers will keep the location, which 1,000 customers visit each month.
Like many business owners, Amy has faced unexpected challenges that complicated her professional and personal life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and then the pandemic struck. “Being a breast cancer survivor is part of my identity,” she shared,” and I am very open about it because I hope to help others who are dealing with the same situation.”
Her upbeat nature is rooted in a firm belief in leading a life that welcomes change as opportunities. A book titled “The Gift” by Amit Desai influences that perspective. She relates to the author’s take on laws of attraction, as well as his call to focus on the positive and cultivate gratitude.
Does she have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “You only live once. Don’t be afraid to jump in with both feet; trust your instincts and follow your passion.”
While Amy has a particular passion for mid-century modernism, she finds the nostalgic and whimsical nature of vintage appealing. Many young people are into the resale shops because they support conservation and sustainability. “Sustainability is so important,” she said, “far more critical than whether an item is cute or pretty.”
Studies back up her belief. According to Retail Today magazine, the resale market has outperformed traditional retail due to economic concerns and growing awareness of sustainability issues.
Vintage shop owners usually obtain inventory from auctions and antique malls. But Amy prefers old-fashioned treasure hunting at garage sales and flea markets. She believes her wares are treasures meant to bring joy to their future owners.
Business owners learned from the pandemic. It taught them the importance of adapting. As online shopping continues to grow, brick-and-mortar stores offer their customers in-person experiences. Amy hopes people who visit Startdust Vintage & Gifts experience the thrill of a treasure hunt.
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