Ep 13. Antiquing in Chicago, IL

Market Warriors is a fascinating reality television series that follows four antiques experts as they travel around the United States trying to find valuable antiques and collectibles to sell at auction. In season 1 episode 13, the team visits the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, where they explore local flea markets and antique shops in search of hidden treasures.

The episode kicks off with introductions to the four experts: Bob, Kevin, John, and Miller, who are all seasoned antiques dealers with a wealth of knowledge and experience under their belts. They are given a budget of $1,000 each to spend on antiques in Chicago, and are tasked with finding items that they think will sell well at auction.

The market warriors start their search at the Randolph Street Market, one of the largest outdoor antique markets in the country. They split up and start combing through the various vendors, looking for items that catch their eye. Miller is particularly interested in vintage advertising and sports memorabilia, while Kevin is on the hunt for mid-century modern furniture.

John, meanwhile, has his sights set on a large Victorian-era cabinet that catches his attention. He negotiates hard with the seller, eventually managing to get the price down to within his budget. Bob, the fourth member of the team, is focused on finding quality vintage jewelry and other valuable collectibles.

After spending the morning at the market, the group heads to the West Loop neighborhood, where they explore a variety of antique shops and meet some of the city's most interesting dealers. They stop first at the Bel Air Antiques Gallery, where they find everything from vintage clothing to antique kitchenware.

Next, they visit the warehouse of dealer and collector Eric Widing, who has an impressive collection of mid-century modern furniture and stellar pieces of other categories including lighting.

As they go from shop to shop, the market warriors must use all their expertise to determine which items have the most value and potential for profit. They must also be prepared to negotiate with sellers to get the best possible deal, all while keeping an eye on their budget.

The episode concludes with the team returning to New York City, where they prepare their antiques for auction. It’s a nerve-wracking experience, as they wait to see if the items they found will bring in the prices they were hoping for.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a fascinating glimpse into the world of antiques and collectibles. They'll see how experts assess the value of different items, and how they use their knowledge to identify hidden treasures that others may overlook. They'll also learn about the intricate and often unpredictable process of buying and selling antiques, and the challenges that come with trying to turn a profit in this competitive industry.

Overall, Antiquing in Chicago provides an exciting and educational look at the world of antiques and collectibles, and is a must-see for anyone interested in this fascinating industry.