Local markets in Regina are increasingly popular for second-hand clothing, shoes and more.
The Last Chance Market advertised several small businesses in the Queen City selling vintage products.
Utopia Vintage organizer and owner Ty Strawford told CTV News: “Having everyone here makes it special.”
In favor of vintage purchases, some consumers are no longer buying new clothes. They recycle the old and give it a new purpose.
Secondhand clothing is on the rise, according to vendors at Regina’s Last Chance Market. (Donovan Mace/CTV News)
But not everything you find in a thrift store is considered vintage. Sellers verify authenticity through what is called “sourcing”.
“There are certain things you can look for on a shirt to determine if it’s vintage, like a tag,” Strawford explained. “We do a lot of research to make sure it’s vintage.”
Secluded.Sneakers owner Jarvis Keindel said: “I come back many times in the middle of the night looking for deals on eBay.”
“They were picked from thrift stores and estate sales, picked with a particular perspective in mind, and handpicked for you,” says YQRated Vintage owner Millie Mantyka. I’m explaining.
For some vendors, this was the first time they sold their products directly. Keyndel started the business when he was 16 years old.
“I started with sneakers,” he said. “Since I got my license, I’ve started saving money on my way home from work every day.”
Many vintage vendors use social media to promote and sell their products. At the same time, searching online allows sellers to discover different trends in what people are looking to buy.
“Instagram is a big community,” explains Keyndel. “Celebrities set the tone, but vintage allows everyone to curate their own style.”
“You could be in the 80’s, 70’s or even earlier,” said Mantyka. “The 1940s dresses are very old and very special.”
For a generation that is advancing with new innovations every day, vintage shopping is keeping the style of the past.