hunting vintage stuff at ‘carla’

Sometimes the life of “vintage addicts” isn’t the easiest in Vienna. Apart from some flea markets, there isn’t a big selection of places where you can find good and also cheap vintage stuff. But still, there are a few thrift stores around.

One of them is called “CARLA”. Well, Carla is rather a huge warehouse in a backyard than a store. It is part of the Viennese social project – the “Caritas” – and the money you pay is a  donation for charity which of course is another good reason (or excuse if you want) to go hunting!

Before you get to the clothes section, you first have to make your way through a massive hall packed with furniture, books, vinyl, crockery – simply a little bit of everything.

All the way to the very end of the hall, I sifted through all possible options, how to put one of the stylish 70s retro couches into my bag. Well – luckily for my bag – I forgot about that idea as soon as I arrived in the clothing section.

My first impression: Heaps of jackets, trousers, coats. Unfortunately the choice of outstanding items from the past, the 60s or 70s isn’t that big - but however, the excellent range of accessories, shoes and hats made me forget about the lack immediately.

A big plus of the store is the unusual atmosphere. It doesn’t look messy and the staff is really nice and helpful (one guy didn’t even mind, giving me the 50th hat of the mannequin). Even if the hall is quite simple, they added some easy going music and somehow they managed making  Carla  a unique place.

So – definitely worth a visit – especially when you are interested in vintage furniture. With a little bit of luck you can find some real treasures there!!

www.carla.at/carla-laeden/

Carla Caritas
Mittersteig 10
1050 Vienna

opening hours: mo-fr 9-18,  sa 9-13