A lifelong passion for high-end bargain hunting was the inspiration for a new consignment business that features everything from antique broaches to furniture dating back to the 1800s.

Vintage Exchange & More Consignment Boutique, owned by West Wareham resident Tina Galavotti, opened at 3 Wells Road in Marion in January.

Over time, she has collected antiques, vintage clothes and anything else that caught her eye, storing the items in her home. Four years ago, Galavotti decided it was time to open up shop in a space she knew well.

“I’ve always shopped in consignment stores. I did research for years and years to feel out the prices and see what it was like,” she said.

As a co-owner of Uppercut Hair Salon, located in the same building as her new shop, she had a literal window onto a previous consignment business that had been open next door.

“All these years I’ve been looking through those glass windows and knew I wanted to do this,” she said. “I was losing sleep I was so excited.”

A Brockton native, Galavotti moved to Wareham in 1985 where her family had owned a summer home.

When Vintage Exchange opened Galavotti was surprised that there was high interest for the older dresses and clothes. Originally hung up for decoration, customers would ask Galavotti if they could try them on.

“The funny thing is I didn’t think people were going to like the vintage clothes at first,” she said. “They were just there to dress up the antiques.”

Many have brought in gently used items, such as gowns, dresses and even nighties, that haven’t been worn in years.

One woman came into the store with a dress she wore to a ball in New York years ago.

“I said to her, ‘are you sure you want to consign this?’” Galavotti said. “I could tell it had a lot of sentimental value, but she said ‘yes.’”

Researching the history behind an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry is something Galavotti relishes.

“I really like to think about who owned it before and think about the past," she said.

One of her favorite items is a hand sewn silk dress that belonged to a clerk in New Bedford. The woman’s granddaughter brought in the dress, which currently hangs for sale in the store.

Galavotti said she asked "a million questions about the person who owned this. I really got a feel for who they were.”

The store’s inventory is about half consignment items and half items Galavotti purchased at estate and yard sales. There are new clothes on sale as well from the “Legally Dressed” fashion line. Those clothes are handmade by Galavotti’s friend, a law school student.

In addition to the clothes, there is glassware, antique make-up sets, dressers and a portrait of a mystery woman for sale.

The painting was purchased from Marion Antiques. Signed by D.M. Anderson, it was painted in 1948, and Galavotti is hopeful someone will identify the subject.

“I can’t figure out who it is,” she said. “I’m hoping some day someone will come and in and say, ‘Oh that’s my aunt!'”

When a consignment item is sold at Vintage Exchange the seller is quick to find out as Galavotti will text or call right after the sale. She also relies on technology for her research and advertising.

While Galavotti splits her time between the hair salon and the new venture, she said the additional hours aren't a burden.

“I don’t feel like this is work, this is fun.”

Vintage Exchange & More Consignment Boutique is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Wednesdays the store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays the store is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 508-748-0346.