Hunting for vintage treasures has become my new favourite pastime on Etsy. I get an irresistible little buzz out of discovering a gorgeous one-of-a-kind item, rich with history or retro cool, whether it’s for my home or wardrobe.
The lovely Louise of catwalkcreative is back again, but this time we take you on a magical mystery tour of the very best vintage hot spots the island has to offer, and who better than our very own UK vintage sellers to show us around? Our experts have kindly shared their much loved brick-and-mortar haunts with us today for this special twist on Etsy’s Shop Local series.
Step on board the time machine…
catwalkcreative nominates Junk Shop; 174 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LH
Manchester is a haven for innovation and creativity. We have fashion markets, design centres and boutiques, all championing arts, crafts, and vintage. I live in West Didsbury where you can find lots of independent shops and eateries. One of the coolest places is Junk Shop for a mix of sustainable fashion, vintage accessories, costume jewellery and housewares. It opened four years ago and is managed by the lovely Alice. You’re guaranteed to find a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Junk Shop. It’s a real pleasure to shop there and Alice is always on hand if I’ve any questions. I spend ages ploughing through their fabulous variety stock. It’s so important to support local businesses so I make a special point of shopping there for little treats for friends, family and of course myself!
Junk Shop have a second shop (2 Dale Street, M1 1W) and have collaborated with some of the best young, up-and-coming designers in Manchester. They have also developed three unique labels with their in-house design team. Their upcycled clothes span a range of styles worn from sunrise to sunset by Ravers, Urban Hippies, Eco-Warriors, Sci-Fi Queens and Vintage Vixens alike, and are now Oxfam‘s number one selling sustainable fashion label.
addy nominates Collectors Fair; 59 Station Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2SU
Despite living near Collectors Fair for the last four years, I only stumbled across it about a year ago. It’s an absolutely lovely store that is much bigger than it looks. The cases inside the shop are packed full of housewares, knick knacks, toys, jewellery, and books of all eras. My current favourite item is a pair of wonderful yellow and black lamps from the 1970s! The couple who run the shop are very knowledgeable and easy to chat to about their stock and items that they’ve collected throughout the years.
sazfab nominates Rubyblue Vintage; 8 Treasury Court, Fisher Street, Carlisle, CA3 8RF
Rubyblue Vintage, the premier vintage venue in the Carlisle area, opened in 2007. Run by Damian, this jamboree of vintage treasures will tickle your retro taste buds. (Of course, l’m biased, as they also stock some items from my own select range.) This shop is an eclectic mix of fashion and accessories for women and men. The decor is glamorous and fun with a dusting of street, catering for teens, students and fashionistas alike. A selection of locally handcrafted bijou, vintage-inspired stationary and retro housewares are also on offer.
minimummouse nominates Top Banana; 14 York Road, King’s Heath, Birmingham, B14 7RZ
Despite being the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham is not as well supplied with vintage shops as many other British cities. This is what makes Top Banana all the more special — it’s a bit of a hidden gem on a side street in King’s Heath, which is a couple of miles south of the city centre. Standing out like a vintage beacon on an otherwise very average street, Top Banana is just as fabulous on the inside as it is on the outside. A lot of their clothes are specially imported from the U.S. and therefore offer a change from usual vintage shop offerings, and I’m always impressed with the quality and variety of the stock, as well as their reasonable prices. It’s not surprising that they count local bands The Twang and Editors among their loyal customers!
EnglishGentleman nominates Alfreton Antiques Centre; 11 King Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7AF
Alfreton Antiques Centre houses the collections of over thirty vintage and antique traders. As such, it is packed (and I mean packed) with every sort of treasure you could imagine. While I am hunting through embroidered linens, poring over racks of exquisite clothes or lusting over French enamelware, my partner Kevin (the other half of EnglishGentleman) is gazing hopefully at the clocks and watches or trying to persuade me of the need for an antique fishing rod!
Many thanks to our UK Vintage sellers for talking part!
Do you have a favorite vintage store? Tell us about it in the comments below.
You can read catwalkcreative‘s article on vintage finds here.
Shop Local: UK | Browse Vintage | More Shop Local Posts | UK Edition
89 comments
Sign in to add your ownLittleWrenPottery says:
My favorite vintage shop is Corner 39 on Sea Road in Sunderland, they stock modern and old vintage clothes. Stuff like Biba which is one of my favorite retro brands! Unfortunately Im not slim enough to fit into any of the wonderful Biba clothes they have
2 years ago
feltmeupdesigns says:
I love shops like this... scarborough has the market vaults a treasure trove of artists, crafters and lovely antiques and junk shops to get lost in!
2 years ago
Georgiebakerdesigns says:
A wonderful post! Manchester has a really good vibe about it. Love all those second markets and shops :)
2 years ago
Ayca says:
Great finds!
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
Oh, wow. So much fun to see this!
2 years ago
themagpiesdaughter says:
Junk is one of my regular haunts. Lovely place! So nice to see it featured here. :D
2 years ago
AliBaliJewellery says:
Love shops like this!
2 years ago
janinebasil says:
I used to go to Top Banana when I lived in Birmingham! Yay!
2 years ago
bigbluebed says:
Lovely feature. I do love vintage and it is nice to see both online and real bricks and mortar shops.
2 years ago
craftpile says:
I wish I could visit!!!
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Great feature! I'd love to explore these shops, some car boot sales/flea markets across the pond.
2 years ago
lazygiraffe says:
great idea, I love vintage shops crammed full of interesting bits and pieces! For anyone in Cambridge there is a new vintage shop just opened http://jemporiumvintage.com/
2 years ago
agoodvintage says:
My favourite kind of shops :D
2 years ago
ebrukSupplies says:
H, I love these shops!
2 years ago
birdie1 says:
Love the new (to me) Etsy items and shops you featured!
2 years ago
hellodarlingvintage says:
Some lovely looking stores. Thanks!
2 years ago
gugu says:
Really great article! love the choices! ;)
2 years ago
DearOhDeer says:
YES! UK vintage stores! Thank you!
2 years ago
SurrenderDorothy says:
Vintage Rocks! Pretty picks!
2 years ago
pamwares says:
Your little island has some great vintage shops! And beer!
2 years ago
mazuli83 says:
Lovely picks! :D
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article
2 years ago
tinyisland says:
ooh! great shop list there - also there are good shops in York - but sadly none in Selby where I now live - however there is a treasure trove of charity shops which are excellent!! :) I nust go to Top Banana in King's Heath next time I visit friends who live round the corner! :)
2 years ago
pileofstones says:
Lovely shops, wish I could pop in this morning. Terrific article, and featured items as well. Thanks!
2 years ago
PorsbyDesign says:
Portobello Market and along the surrounding roads is my favourite for Vintage finds in London.
2 years ago
ChasingtheCrayon says:
There was a sweet little vintage shop in Stroud, not sure if it is still there these days. Also a fab day can be spent browsing the rabbit warren of antique shops in Hay-on Wye (if you can tear yourself away from the bookshops)
2 years ago
Raceytay says:
Oh, I love how you've rounded the corners on the photos, very 70s!
2 years ago
akcArt says:
What a wonderful step back in time! Thank you so much for sharing!
2 years ago
cherryshop says:
Interesting picks! Thanks!
2 years ago
loosethreads2 says:
This was a really great edition of Etsy Finds with such a unique twist. I love hunting for things in antique shops and flea markets, getting my hands dirty and feeling my heart soar as I pull out an item so distinctly ME. It's almost as great as a trip to the yarn store. :P
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
So neat! I love that photo up top too... :)
2 years ago
britishvintage says:
Another great article! I wish we had a better selection of vintage shops in Edinburgh :-(
2 years ago
chocolatecreative says:
Thanks for this post I just purchased the Miniature Framed Vintage Silhouettes you have featured in it, it goes perfect with my cameos cushions design!! Great find!! Regards marga http://chocolatecreative.blogspot.com/
2 years ago
KatsKube says:
love the shops. really cool stuff
2 years ago
ekra says:
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is visit the local thrift/vintage/junk shops! It is like I just got to take a mini-thrifting vacation to the UK! Thanks!
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
I love shops like that! Great etsy finds too! Thanks:)
2 years ago
thelostandfoundshop says:
Check out ShOp Vintage Lounge & Arts Venue if you're ever in Bristol. It's on the Christmas Steps in the centre, and it's fantastically wonderful! Gorgeous clothes and home-ware at affordable prices, and free cake and coffee too!
2 years ago
adrienneaudrey says:
very cool. Wish I could visit those shops:)
2 years ago
WoodysFlies says:
Wonderful shops to find, find, find! So is Woodysflies.etsy.com!
2 years ago
florriemitton says:
Great article! Thanks for sharing :)))
2 years ago
undermyfeet says:
Vinage shops are always fun.
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
my sister, visiting in london, brought me back the best greenware pottery jug (stoke on trent region) that she got for 2 pounds..... what a treasure!!
2 years ago
slippie says:
I like the tins and canisters at Alfreton that simply say "Bread" or "Flour". So general-store-homey. Tempted to find some stencils and run around my kitchen.
2 years ago
SRPLdesign says:
Great shops!I like all of them!
2 years ago
backyardbirdsong says:
Woo... thats my manchester skyline photo at the top! manchester is just ace for vintage shopping, i cant wait to move back there in september! if an etsyers from round the world want to come to manch let me know and i'll show you the best vintage shops round! http://www.etsy.com/shop/backyardbirdsong
2 years ago
Starrbeads says:
makes me want to come visit with so much vintage U.K. ..The best part is that the picking are different Than USA.-Rachelle
2 years ago
candacejean says:
What fun shops! Thanks for letting us way over here see what's to find way over there. :)
2 years ago
LavenderField says:
wow! love them all!
2 years ago
therainbowgirl says:
There are lots of little antique/junk/vintage shops in Holt, Norfolk. They're mostly hidden away in little alleyways, and I could spend all day there! I don't go very often, but always find something wonderful.
2 years ago
mucar says:
Great items!
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great finds!
2 years ago
LittleBeeVintage says:
cool shops - i may have to pay them a visit! ♥
2 years ago
DamsonGin says:
Check out Vintage Vision next time you are in the Abergavenny area. It's a social enterprise providing "women with an opportunity to share their knowledge, develop confidence and new skills, and access training and work experience, through sourcing, repairing and marketing vintage and retro clothing". Brilliant! And I've just heard that they've opened a shop in Hay on Wye, the famous book town, just in time for the Hay Festival. Double brilliant!
2 years ago
fluxplay says:
My purse said to me, "it's a good job none of those shops are near us, isn't it Maria?!".
2 years ago
EnglishGentleman says:
Ah, thanks! We have a lot of fun at Alfreton and the owners are wonderful!
2 years ago
moocowhandknits says:
there's a great vintage shop on lark lane, Liverpool, called retro. love this article :)
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
very cool stores - love the displays and interiors.
2 years ago
SaraBJewelry says:
i think i had those orange tumblers! great post!
2 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Makes me want to buy a plane ticket to the U.K. I can spend hours in Antique shops and flea markets.
2 years ago
Emmamaha says:
Love the Charles and Diana tea towel. I think my auntie also has a tray or a towel commemorating their wedding on it. I think I'm going to try to see if she'll let me take it with it the next time I'm visiting :D
2 years ago
hankietankie says:
great article, photos & picks!!! i'm inspired for some more thrifting! love the charles & diana tea towel...XO
2 years ago
SunnyDayVintage says:
One of my dreams is to visit England and shop for vintage treasures (sigh). Thanks for stoking that dream!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Luvley piece. The Upminster shop is a long time pet walking from the train. Portobello Road on Saturday mornings is my fave. Missing my UK buds.
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
I hope I can visit flea markets in the UK. It must be fun!
2 years ago
Addy says:
Very cool stores! I wish we could have chosen more than 1, I had the hardest time picking between the one I did, a new one in Chelmsford (Truly Madly Vintage) that has a the coolest store set up, and the packed to the overflowing ChiChiRaRa in East Dulwich.
2 years ago
Solorlou says:
Louise, when I moved to West Didsbury from Australia the Junk shop was my favourite find - I was so excited to have such a fantastic shop so close (although a little worred about my funds!) my friends and family love all the little gifts i get them from there because they don't have anything like it! Great article!
2 years ago
minimummouse says:
I really enjoyed taking part in this piece - always nice to have an excuse to go shopping!
2 years ago
catwalkcreative says:
So delighted to see UK vintage promoted in such a stylish way. A massive thank you to the Etians that took part in this edition. Looking forward to featuring more UK vintage shops in the future. Thanks for all your great comments too! xxx
2 years ago
sazfab says:
This is FAb..great to see Uk stores promoted in this way with links to great etsy vintage sellers...love it.. many thanks for the hard work involved in getting this together.. Sara xx
2 years ago
VintageDevotion says:
I just want to step inside those photographs and shop! Wonderful!
2 years ago
JoulesVintage says:
I'm all for the local vintage tour! Wish I was close enough to pop right over to shop these. Thank you for bringing us this exciting UK feature. And I love sazfab's Fab Funky 60's Maxi Dress!
2 years ago
rklm1 says:
wow! love them all!
2 years ago
rklm1 says:
i think i had those orange tumblers! great post!
2 years ago
rklm1 says:
döviz 'm all for the local vintage tour! Wish I was close enough to pop right over to shop these. Thank you for bringing
2 years ago
NotYoMommasHandbag says:
LOVE those brits! smiles.
2 years ago
PunkUpBettie says:
Love vintage! Keep 'em coming!
2 years ago
bigyellowtaxivintage says:
I want to book a flight right now! I'd shop til I dropped!
2 years ago
FavreBijoux says:
From my vantage point (US), this vintage has a definite UK look!
2 years ago
thenewblackmarket says:
Oh I love the princess diana prints! I got this amazing brooch today that is an aligator, it would look great in this post!
2 years ago
metroretrovintage says:
What a fun and informative article! This piece would also make an excellent Vintage Shopping Travel guide as well! Thank you Louise for the wonderful virtual experience. :)
2 years ago
nowonder says:
Some lovely looking shops. I like the covent garden markt for that!
2 years ago
kokopelligirl says:
Really enjoyed this article! So many shops with amazing stuff!
2 years ago
shopREiNViNTAGE says:
Ohhh, looks like a vintage wonderland! How I wish I could go to them all :)
2 years ago
PinTuckVintage says:
love a good junk shop, i can't remember the name but there's a good one in Beverley, Yorkshire full of different sellers if anyone's passing through the north east coast
2 years ago
PurplePumpkins says:
Great article! And reviews of a shop I can visit too!
2 years ago
MissElany says:
great idea well done
2 years ago
HornCatCreations says:
This article was awesome!
2 years ago
esmeart says:
Fantastic article, I love vintage and antique shops. If I fancy a look around some vintage shops I take a ride out to Horncastle which has lots of vintage shops. Thank you for including my ornament at the bottom :-)
2 years ago
TheIDconnection says:
This is right up my alley! Thanks http://theidconnection.etsy.com
1 year ago