The Artificial Marketplace

The Artificial Marketplace is located on William Street in Downtown New Bedford next to Solstice skateboard shop.  It has been described as an antiques shop, but after I spoke with owner Jared Vasconcellos, I found out its more of a vintage, mid-century shop.

There has been a bit of a turnover with ownership at the store. What got you into the business?

Jared: I am the third owner.  I’ve owned the store for two and a half years now, and have transformed it from a junk/consignment shop into a vintage mid-century shop.  All items at Artificial Marketplace are hand-picked by myself; I’ve always been a collector of sorts.  I try to purchase things in the best possible condition, but some things I have to refinish.

I fix iPhones and iPods as well…pretty much anything Apple.  I also fix smart phones and some PC laptops.

Did working at your brother’s skate shop next door to prepare you to deal with the public?

Jared: Yes it did.  I worked at Solstice for awhile, and I still do whenever I have time.

Do you plan to start an online store at some point?

Jared: An online store would be nice, but being just one person, doing what I do would be pretty hard to maintain.

I do occasionally sell items on eBay, mostly things’ that normally wouldn’t move for a certain price in-store, like a brand new aluminum Christmas tree still in the box.

Jared: If mom asked what kind of shop it is I’d say… I’d have to say its a store filled with items carefully picked from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s and strategically placed to look like it would in a house.  Anything from glassware, couches, books, records…pretty much anything you can think of-minus planes, trains, and automobiles.

You can visit The Artificial Marketplace seven days a week, from 11-5pm.