Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Thrift
Early 2000s feminist anthems blare around the large, open-plan space that is Park Street’s vivid and colourful Vintage Thrift Store. Overflowing red rails dotted generously around the shop are packed tightly with clothes of all colours, sizes and fabrics.
No two T-shirts are the same; no pairs of jeans identical. Everything in this shop is one-of-a-kind, without doubt, but also at a reasonable cost, and the colossal pricing board that takes over one wall of the shop is a clear sign of the value-for-money you get at Thrift.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmoBTL1DUXW/?taken-by=thriftbristol
is needed now More than ever
“I think it’s just a bit refreshing,” says manager Shannon Newman, 22, on the importance of keeping stock cheap. “The word ‘vintage’ is becoming this concept where the price is higher, because it’s been mass-produced. That’s why we like the idea of the thrift – everything is unique, but cheap.”
Shannon has worked at Thrift since August 2017, when the shop first opened. “I’ve been here since day one!” she says proudly. “This was perfect for me, as I’ve always had a passion for second-hand and vintage clothes; I’ve always loved it.” Today she is dressed in an oversized Aaliyah tee, complete with several gold chains and a scrunchie, and seems to be the face of modern vintage.
After finishing university, Shannon worked at Loot, another vintage store in Bristol wedged between the Bearpit and the bus station. “My mum’s the manager of a charity shop as well, so this kind of business has always been the one for me,” she says.
And it’s a successful business at that. Supervisor Fern says the best thing about the store is how busy it can get: “I love the lively, fast-paced environment in here. Ever since I joined in September, it’s always been busy.”
Some of the brighter, more alternative clothes in the basement
Last time Bristol24/7 visited the store, Thrift had been open for just less than a month. “A lot has changed since then,” says Shannon. “Back then, we just didn’t really know what to expect: which products worked, what customers wanted, or the prices they were willing to pay. Plus, I don’t even think the students had returned from summer break by then so they wouldn’t have even realised we were here!
“Now the store has doubled in size, and I think we probably have more variety, whether you want to pay £4 or £40.”
Shannon says that they now know how to deal with the wide range of customers they get in-store: “It’s relaxed in here, quite casual and chatty. I want people to feel like they can stay and browse; plus the music is good!
“In here we mainly get students, obviously because we’re just down the road from the uni. But it really does vary. There’s families at the weekend, older women, teenage boys and teenage girls. That’s what we want, to make everyone feel welcome.”
The Vintage Thrift Store, 35-37 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5NH
0117 409 0435
www.instagram.com/thriftbristol
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
