In the midst of recession, saving money is trendy. Secondhand clothing stores have been on the rise in the Phoenix area to capitalize on this trend by making vintage both fashionable and affordable!
Meat Market Vintage
Meat Market Vintage offers what owner Ben Funkee calls, “contemporary vintage.”
“We try to avoid being completely a time capsule,” Funkee said, noting that the style of his store is similar to that of Urban Outfitters. Funkee has been in clothing for ten years and it’s his private collection that fills the store. He sometimes modifies these clothes for a modern look.
The name comes from the irony of many businesses keeping the sign of the building’s previous occupier—something Funkee noticed while living in San Francisco. He also feels that the idea of a meat market applies to clothing stores. Instead of meat on display, Funkee has clothing on display.
Meat Market Vintage originated online and Funkee continues eBay auctions and other online sales through http://www.meatmarketvintage.com.
At the store, he sells men’s shirts, jackets and shoes ranging from $20 to $40. Most women’s jackets and shirts are between $12 and $20, shorts are about $20 and dresses are about $30. Jewelry ranges from $8 to $25. In front of the store is a small sale rack with mostly $10 pieces.
Meat Market Vintage is located at 1020 S. Mill Ave. and is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store’s phone number is (480) 968-1118.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange carries a large selection of secondhand merchandise, creating more of a department store atmosphere than that of the usual vintage boutiques.
The store has multiple locations across the country, but according to Tempe store manager Candice Gaskin, the Tempe store is the largest in Arizona and one of the largest in the country. The Tempe store is also the second Buffalo Exchange following the one in Tucson, which opened in 1974.
The store relies mostly on customers selling gently used clothing, Gaskin said, but it sometimes receives new clothing from the Tucson store, which is dispersed throughout the country.
Gaskin described her store as “fashion forward.”
“We try to maintain an eclectic variety, and add a little bit of color to the racks.” Gaskin said.
Gaskin keeps her customers in mind, which mostly consists of, but is not limited to, college students and professionals.
Overall, Gaskin said she looks for really current, great clothing in good condition. These clothes include men’s and women’s shirts at about $20. Designer jeans are mostly under $40. The store also carries men’s and women’s shoes and accessories including hats, belts and scarves.
Gaskin’s store is located at 227 West University Dr. and can be reached at (480) 968-2557. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more locations and information, visit http://www.buffaloexchange.com.
Audrey Weil
Photo Credits: Audrey Weil
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