Professional Picker (aka, PP)

9231 Lee Highway
Ooltewah, TN 37363
423-238-7777

I'm going to break PP's (Professional Picker) rule #1 and tell you one of my best, good-pickin' secrets.

Tucked away, right outside of Chattanooga in Ooltewah, Tennessee, is one of my greatest guilty pleasures.  Let me formally introduce you to the Samaritan Center.

Notoriously closed on Fridays and Saturdays, the line is at least 50+ people deep on Sundays before they open their doors with all smiles at 1:00pm, and the shelves are overflowing.  

Taken 8/25 at approximately 25 mins prior to opening 

A PP knows to get there by 12:30pm at the latest, otherwise, well, all the good stuff is gone.  Secondly, a PP knows not to go there alone, but to work in a teams of 2-3; therefore, once the doors open, one PP goes left and one PP goes right, and ideally, the "mule" (aka, your Mr.,) keeps the buggy and stands in the center of the store, (as the aisles are tiny.)

When you enter, you have 3 choices.  Go left to the thrift store, straight to the bargain area, or take an immediate right to the "Toy Connection" area.

Lined up for opening time!
I think they were a little leary about a lady running into the store with her camera

With the system of 2-3 PP's, there better be a game plan in place before you enter so each can run (I mean walk) through the aisles of vintage goodness and beat, well, other PP's.  The "mule" keeps the buggy so the other PP's can go quickly where the non-PPs cannot go.  This system works flawlessly.

A PP must be willing to shamelessly toss treasures over everyone's head to your "mule" for safe keeping.  Lastly, a real PP is not scared to throw a little elbow when needed. (Ok...I'm kidding!)  Everyone who shops at the Samaritan Center are FANTASTIC, but I will warn you. It's not for the weak of heart (or the indecisive;) otherwise, you will get ran over!

Furniture galore!

One of the first areas of the store the Mr. runs to is their used furniture area of the store.  I do not believe I have ever seen ANY piece of furniture over $30.  Seriously amazing, BUT it flies out of the door.   DO NOT think twice about a piece.  MAKE a decision, otherwise someone will make it for you!  Each piece of furniture has a notecard with the price.  PULL THE CARD and then think later.  Trust me.

So, with that said...I'm about to break PP rule #2, and tell you how much I actually paid for some of my finds!     

Picked for $10.  Value: $50+ all day long

Vintage doll with green eyes that open and close!
Picked for $5.  Value: $25+

Meet Linda and Kimberly!  Super friendly workers at the Samaritan Center... They ALWAYS have smiles on their faces.  Makes for GREAT pickin'!

Thrift Shop Hours

Sunday • 1pm-4pm

Monday-Thursday • 9am-7pm 

(Toy Connection closes at 5pm)

Friday • Closed

Saturday • Closed

 The Thrift Shop, on the left side of the building, has more of a "boutique" feel.  Here, prices are a bit higher, but so is the quality of the merchandise.  Often here, you will discover your name brand clothing, good deals on purses, linens, higher quality glassware, etc.

Be sure to show some love to them on Facebook, and let them know Pickin on the Road and University Pickers sent you!!!  

  https://www.facebook.com/thesamaritancenter?fref=ts

Follow MORE of my Pickin adventures on Facebook at: Pickin on the Road

Long September

"I know I'll see you again."

What are we doing??

What we are doing at University Pickers is pretty simple.

We are striving to be surrounded by people who are positive, appreciative, up-lifting and supportive; to be surrounded by people who committed to their job/hobby, who work their space, and help to promote University Pickers and all who are a part of it; and we want to ensure that we keep UP a fun, exciting, friendly atmosphere for you, our customers, to be able to come to and shop just to relax, create, imagine and enjoy.  We do our best to bring to Huntsville local arts and crafts, fun vintage finds and antiques, home decor and furniture, jewelry and so much more.  We even now offer lines of paint, sold by caring people willing to help, which is made specifically for furniture that even a beginner can begin transforming their own space.

For me personally, University Pickers has become a place where I can spend time with my retired father, who I often refer to as "daddy's creations," who just started getting into pickin' and creating since the creation of UP.  He brings his finds down from Nashville when he visits, along with my Mother, who has,what we believe, is early stages of Alzheimers and dementia.  This time together is more precious to me than any amount of money University Pickers could ever make me.  I personally don't think either of us really cares if a single thing of his sells, or even if people like it (although apparently you do, because he keeps on coming back and having to restock, so THANK YOU!) His being at University Pickers is a whole lot more important than money, at least to me.  I'd secretly buy up his entire booth by myself if that's what it took to keep him coming back to visit. You see, when you shop at University Pickers, you are allowing me to have this precious time with my father and mother. It brings tears to my eyes.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

For many others, University Pickers has provided an additional source of income, and even for some (probably more like "most,") it's become a therapeutic outlet.

Some days I wish University Pickers had unlimited space where I could fit ALL of you in with your creations and artwork to share with the world.  Unfortunately, 8,000 sq ft poses limits on us....but word of mouth, the internet, Facebook does not!  SHARE yours and others creations with the world!  Don't be afraid and step out!  You will never, ever believe or can imagine what kind of blessings it will bring into your life as long as you keep positive and stay focused on YOUR blessings (and not others.)

In the end, I think what makes University Pickers so special is the people behind it...the stories...and the love poured into each piece that's brought through the door for whatever reason.

Thank you for your continued support of University Pickers. Huntsville rocks.