Vintage shopping offers a unique treasure hunt experience, where every find feels like a victory. Discovering the best gems at brick and mortar stores, and walking out with everything in hand; is enough to make your entire day feel like glee. Implementing these gems into your personal style allows you to express your individuality effortlessly, which is where the magic truly lies. Finding something so rare, undeniably daring, and making it your own. Vintage markets have now become the new talk in town; but what is the cause that has ignited the growing popularity?
During the 2020 Pandemic, vintage and thrift shoppers were no longer able to get their consistent thrift fix. For months, brick and mortar stores remained closed, while shoppers anticipated the day they would finally be able to step foot into one again. This burning desire began to lure customers to vintage shopping online; via reselling platforms; and even social media platforms such as Instagram.
Following suite, some of those customers changed their identities; and went from frequent shoppers, to online brand owners creating their own vintage shops online. Around this time, instagram became a new hub for online vintage brands to emerge; allowing shoppers to shop on the app; and to engage with their brands. Many of these brand owners did live show events as a way to sell to their communities; but also as a way to foster connect. During the pandemic I too was on instagram, building the Key To Fashion instagram page that was previously created in 2019; and a platform called Blacks Who Thrift. Blacks Who Thrift was birthed due to a vision I had at the NARTS conference in 2017; and to prove the societal biases wrong, ” That Black People Didn’t Thrift”. I knew that wasn’t true, and I wanted to prove myself right, but what I unconsciously wanted like many others during this timeframe was community.
The power of community is a concept that makes the resale fashion industry irreplaceable in nature. While the thrill of the hunt gets people through the door; the community aspect of is something many people didn’t realize they missing, until the pandemic arrived. Personally, I missed going to my local thrift stores; seeing the regular customers, and some of the lovely employees that always make my thrift trip worth while. I missed the beauty of diversity, and having customers from all backgrounds, all ages, and all different walks of life strike up conversations with me simply by stating,
“Oh Wow, where did you get that!”
“I love that piece”
Or another common line, “Hey, do you think this would look good on me?”
The resale world collectively missed the presence of community, and adapted to cultivating them online; but despite it all; people still craved the offline energy.
Post-pandemic welcomed shoppers back into brick and mortar stores; but it also sparked visions to unite shoppers in alternative ways. Before the pandemic, I was vending at local events in the city of Boston, but it was only me; there was never another vintage dealer. This would serve as an advantage and disadvantage because while it allowed me to stand out at these events; for some events vintage clothing was not on their minds, nor were they my targeted audience. Vintage Markets draw likeminded people together, and people who are passionate about vintage; giving vendors the opportunity to get more customers, and to connect with them on an in person basis. Vintage Markets have become a social event to do with friends or even by yourself; becoming immensely appreciated amongst all different age groups.
Depending on the season some of these markets may be in an indoor location; or outdoors in a central location; allowing you to attend these all year around. 2025 was truly the year of vintage market shopping for me. I attended several local vintage markets; and I even had the opportunity to attend Thriftcon in Brooklyn for its’ very first time.
During these adventures I was on a quest to find intriguing accessories, and vintage gems that are rare in store. I discovered a vintage jewelry vendor at a local market in Boston, and I loved the finds that I purchased from them. At one market the vendor told me their instagram; where I was able to support them at other markets in the city. It went from me searching for vintage markets on my own, to learning about more options because I followed them on socials. A lot of vendors I noticed were used to seeing reoccurring clients, while simultaneously welcoming new ones with opened arms. This atmosphere gives vendors a cool place to periodically set up shop; without the longterm cost of establishing a brick and mortar base.
Vintage Markets have also become progressively popular due to the persistent social media promotion. I’ve had several friends send me DM’s of videos of upcoming vintage markets that happened to shuffle down their feeds. The prevalence of these markets became so known, that even people who aren’t into vintage couldn’t help but pay attention. The popularity of vintage markets will only ascend due to the diligent consistency; and the creative curation of them. There is something fascinating about being at a market with people who love vintage; just as much as you do. At these markets it’s common to see attendee’s boldly expressing their individualism through style.
To set you up on your next vintage market trip, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Set a Budget. Vintage Market prices are usually higher than thrift store prices; so be intentional and create a budget. You will be grateful that you did this
- Be an intentional Shopper: Try to purchase items that you haven’t seen in stores, or something that you have always wanted; or currently desire to implement into your wardrobe.
- Every vintage market has its own vibe; so if you attend one that you don’t enjoy, don’t give up. Soon you will find a market that has the perfect location, vibe and vendors.
- Bring Cash; or download Cash App and Venmo on your phone.
- Where a stylish or signature outfit that is true to you!
