It’s no secret that the vintage clothing industry is booming (right now in the U.S. alone, the used clothing industry is estimated to be worth at least $13 billion according to The Association of Resale Professionals). All over the world, vintage clothing stores are popping up left and right in response to growing demand. In order to stand out, your store needs to be well run and have a message to bring in customers. Here are some tips that all vintage clothing sellers should know:

 

1) Just Because A Dress is Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Vintage

Age alone doesn’t define vintage clothing. It’s more about a unique look that harkens back to a particular time period. If you search hard enough, you can find a white t-shirt made in the 1950’s, but is that really going to look different from a white t-shirt made in 2013? Absolutely not.

 

2) Fabric Strength Is Key

When you get your items from a wholesaler, test them out! If a hem isn’t sewn properly or cheap materials were used in production then that could lead to compromised clothing that will leave your customers unhappy when they fall apart in a month. The best vintage clothing stores sell clothes by this mantra: “old clothes, new durability.”

 

3) Vintage Changes

Although vintage sales are growing around the world, to focus your store on one decade or  style is a mistake. Do you see 80’s dresses making a comeback? Not exactly. Have your store represent a wide variety of vintage to keep your business going through trend changes.

 

4) The Options Are Infinite

Wherever used items are to be found, so are vintage! There are so many styles, trims, colors and uses out there that finding something truly vintage isn’t as hard as it used to be. Having a dedicated vintage supplier like American Textile Exports especially helps as you can get the hottest vintage styles immediately. The important thing here is to just keep being creative and look for new things to spark your business!

 

It’s no secret that the vintage clothing industry is

booming (right now in the U.S. alone, the used

clothing industry is estimated to be worth at least

$13 billion according to The Association of Resale

Professionals).

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