Sophie Schiff, an antiquer living in Tampa Bay, found herself in line with hundreds of fans of the late Kirstie Alley at an anonymous estate sale in Clearwater. The sale featured items from Alley’s estate after she passed away in December 2022. Schiff attended the sale after receiving a last-minute tip from her sister, who wanted her to check out the unique event. Although Schiff was not a fan of Alley, she recognized the significance of the occasion.
Upon arriving at the estate sale, Schiff saw a long line of people waiting outside the warehouse. The sale featured various items from Alley’s home, including clothes, shoes, garden stuff, animal cages, kitchenware, and more. The setup of the sale allowed attendees to see the items in different sections. However, the heavy security and intense competition made it challenging for Schiff to get close to the items she wanted to purchase.
Despite the crowded conditions, Schiff noted that many items were priced fairly considering Alley’s celebrity status. Some pieces started at just $1, making them affordable for fans and collectors alike. Schiff also mentioned items like a bar cart priced at $1,500, which she believed was a good deal as it was valued much higher online. However, some items, like the dress from Alley’s Jenny Craig commercial priced at $18,000, seemed a bit steep for collectors.
Schiff observed that many attendees at the sale were loyal fans of Alley who were determined to leave with something that belonged to her. People were seen grabbing various items, from a single knife to entire sets of kitchenware labeled with Alley’s name. Schiff shared her experience at the estate sale on TikTok, where the video garnered over 600,000 views and sparked discussions about Alley’s personal life and decisions among viewers. Despite the celebrity connection, Schiff was primarily interested in the aesthetics and decor of the items.
In the end, Schiff purchased a few Fenton glass pieces, single plates, and miscellaneous kitchenware items from the estate sale. She expressed satisfaction with her purchases, as they were unique and visually appealing. Overall, Schiff’s experience at the estate sale provided her with a memorable and unexpected encounter with the belongings of a well-known celebrity. The frenzy and excitement surrounding the sale showcased the impact that celebrity belongings can have on fans and collectors alike, making it a unique and culturally significant event.
