VietNamNet Bridge – Those fond of old furniture should head for Bui Thi Xuan Street in Tan Binh District, HCM City. Numerous pieces of old furniture are on display for sale there.

A trader from HCMC’s District 8 purchases wooden items at the old furniture market in Bui Thi Xuan Street for resale in the Mekong Delta

This is the oldest street market for second-hand wooden tables, chairs, beds, cupboards and the like since it had been present before the country was reunified in 1975. The traces of time can be found in every item in this special market.

While scrubbing dirt from an old chair, Can, the owner of a furniture shop, says a wooden table set that is more than 30 years old has been bought from a family in Hoc Mon District at VND2.8 million. After renewing it, he can sell it at VND5 million or more.

Can said many items at the old furniture market are not at all cheap because most of them are made from precious timber. Only picky customers are interested in them.

“Many people in HCMC prefer old furniture of high quality and nice design. Meanwhile, customers in the Mekong Delta are more accommodating,” Can says.

Phuoc, another trader with nearly 30 years’ experience at this market, says most of his customers are 50 years old or older, and few young people can be found there.

Stretching from Le Van Si to Pham Van Hai streets, the market comprises around 30 stores selling all kinds of old furniture including tables, chairs, beds, wardrobes and altars.

“These old items can be used for at least several decades. Some are even much more durable than new ones,” says Tam, a shop owner at the market.

SGT