What’s Old is New
Inspired by the thrill of a good deal and the positive effect of recycling on the environment, shopping at thrift and vintage stores is hotter than ever. South Tampa’s new Vintage Etc. focuses mainly on higher-end items, with stock from brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and BCBG, and even new items from lines like Vince Camuto. The store’s staff washes, dry-cleans or sanitizes each item before it hits the sales floor to eliminate any lingering odors from its original home. “It’s an extra step you can smell,” says Vintage Etc. manager Ann Morrick. One of the store’s more interesting recent donations was an unworn $1,350 wedding gown with the tags still on it. “A single mother was in here shopping, and she saw the dress, fell in love with it, and bought it for $125,” Morrick says. “She said ‘yes to the dress’!” Proceeds from Vintage Etc. benefit the Dream Center of Tampa, a youth and community center in Ybor City run by the Grace Family Church that hosts kids in kindergarten through 12th grade at afterschool programs and performs monthly “Adopt-a-Block” outreach programs.
WHAT TO KNOW:
Vintage Etc. | 4479 W. Gandy Blvd. | (813) 444-4804
vintageetc.org | Tues-Sat: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sun: 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
