Portland, Oregon, is often praised for its unique and lively atmosphere, which is reflected in the abundance of vintage shops that call the city home. With nearly 50 vintage shops spread throughout the city, Portland has become a haven for fashion enthusiasts who appreciate secondhand treasures. These shops are known for their meticulously curated collections, offering everything from costume jewelry and tailored suits to racks of dresses that span decades, attracting visitors from all over to indulge in Portland’s vintage bounty.
Portland’s reputation as one of the best cities for vintage shopping in the US is well deserved, with over 20 vintage stores and several antique and furniture halls that often sell vintage clothing as well. These diverse shopping destinations cater to various tastes and budgets, making it easy for visitors and locals alike to find unique, memorable pieces that showcase their personal style.
The thriving vintage shopping scene in Portland doesn’t just provide a unique retail experience but also promotes sustainability by breathing new life into pre-loved items. By supporting local designers and reducing waste in the fashion industry, these shops embody Portland’s ethos and commitment to embracing eco-friendly practices. So, the next time you’re in the city, make sure to set aside some time for a vintage treasure hunt in Portland’s charming and eclectic shops.
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Best Vintage Shops in Portland
Artifact: Creative Recycle
Located in Southeast Portland, Artifact: Creative Recycle specializes in eco-conscious, upcycled products. The shop offers an assortment of vintage clothing, antiques, and stylish refurbished items. Always seeking to promote sustainable living, Artifact showcases a variety of unique fashion options that help reduce waste and curb fast fashion habits.
Xtabay Vintage
Xtabay Vintage is a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Located in Portland’s vibrant Southeast neighborhood, Xtabay maintains an elegant, welcoming atmosphere with their array of vintage items, such as:
- Show-stopping party dresses
- Vintage wedding gowns
- High-quality designer pieces
- Timeless accessories
House of Vintage
Home to over 60 independent dealers, House of Vintage is a massive 13,000 square-foot space filled with an impressively extensive selection of vintage clothing, furniture, and art. The shop, which sits along the popular Hawthorne Boulevard, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike searching for unique, one-of-a-kind items.
Hollywood Vintage
As one of the top vintage shops in Portland, Hollywood Vintage offers an eclectic mix of vintage clothing and memorabilia. Their weekly pop-up events draw in shoppers seeking retro finds, including:
- Vintage eyewear
- Men’s and women’s clothing
- Unique collectibles and decor
Hollywood Vintage’s curated selection of items ensures that visitors will find something special to take home as a fashionable reminder of their time in Portland.
Vintage Clothing and Accessories
Unique Fashion Finds
If you’re in Portland and have a passion for vintage clothing, there’s no shortage of unique fashion finds. One of the best places to start is House of Vintage, a collective of over 60 dealers offering an impressive range of vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories from the 1920s to 2000s.
Part of the store’s appeal is its extensive collection, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a statement piece or everyday wear. Explore other top picks like Red Fox Vintage, Rerun, Magpie, and Hollywood Vintage for additional curated and unique clothing options.
Vintage Sportswear and Streetwear
Portland’s vintage scene isn’t just limited to formal or classic attire. The city also offers a great selection of vintage sportswear and streetwear items. Stores like Northwest Union and Sellwood Union cater to those in search of iconic jackets, sneakers, and other athletic-inspired apparel.
With a well-curated range of vintage clothing from popular sporting brands, these shops make it easy to find the perfect piece to complete your unique streetwear look.
Wedding Dresses and Gowns
For brides-to-be or simply lovers of beautiful gowns, Portland’s vintage shops have something special to offer. At Xtabay Vintage, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of wedding dresses and gowns. This renowned store, established in 2001, has earned its reputation as one of the city’s must-visit destinations for exquisite vintage clothing. Xtabay’s glamorous setting and high-quality collection make selecting your perfect dress a memorable experience. In addition to wedding attire, this vintage clothing store also offers striking accessories, including jewelry and handbags, to complete your look.
While exploring Portland’s vintage shopping scene, don’t forget to also check out thrift and consignment stores for unique clothing and accessories. By doing so, you’ll discover an awe-inspiring range of vintage apparel, helping you create a truly one-of-a-kind wardrobe.
Portland Vintage Furniture and Decor
Upcycled and Second-Hand Furniture
Portland offers a variety of vintage furniture stores that sell unique and upcycled items. These shops provide an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind home decor, antiques, and second-hand furniture pieces. For example, House of Vintage is a collective of over 60 independent dealers sharing 13,000 square feet of space and is an excellent place to peruse furniture, collectibles, and home decor items.
Another shop worth visiting is City Home, where you can find a great variety of furniture, art, and decor items. They focus on offering a blend of recycled and repurposed items to give your home an authentic vintage feel.
Mid-Century Furnishings
For mid-century modern enthusiasts, there are several stores in Portland that specialize in vintage pieces from that era. Legacy Modern is a well-known shop offering a wide selection of mid-century designs, contemporary goods, and local items. This store is an excellent place to find vintage cash items ideal for adding an authentic touch to your home.
LookModern is another popular store in Portland that specializes in Scandinavian and mid-century furniture, perfect for those looking to add a touch of Nordic elegance to their homes.
Rare Finds and Collectibles
Portland has several vintage shops housing rare finds and collectibles, making it an ideal city for treasure hunters. Workshop Vintage offers an eclectic mix of locally designed goods, vintage items, ceramics, and vintage home goods.
When it comes to collectibles and unique antiques, The Estate Store is another excellent option. This store features a selection of vintage furniture, art, and antique items that are sure to inspire and enhance any home or collection.
The Vintage Shopping Experience
Curated Collections
The vintage shopping scene in Portland offers a plethora of unique and carefully curated collections. One prime example is House of Vintage, which is a collective of over 60 independent dealers sharing 13,000 square feet. This massive space is filled with vintage clothing, furniture, and art, catering to various tastes and preferences. Another standout is Workshop Vintage, a boutique offering locally designed goods alongside vintage items. Here, visitors can browse apparel, accessories, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and home décor.
Helpful and Knowledgeable Staff
The success of Portland’s vintage shops is not solely based on the treasure troves of rare finds, but also on the dedicated and knowledgeable staff. These skilled individuals have a keen eye for quality and authenticity, ensuring that customers receive the best possible shopping experience. Expert staff can answer questions about specific items, the brands on offer, and even provide valuable advice on vintage styles for customers looking to perfect their unique look.
Navigating the Neighborhoods
Portland is home to several thriving neighborhoods, each offering its own distinctive vintage shopping experience. For shoppers in search of luxury items and rare finds, Monticello Antique Marketplace in Southeast Portland’s Montavilla district is the place to go. With over 100 dedicated dealers, this destination is ideal for discovering a wide range of high-quality goods. Another noteworthy spot is Avalon Antiques, a family-owned store that relocated to NE Sandy Boulevard, offering menswear spanning the 19th to the 20th century, unique accessories, and vintage timepieces.
With so many tempting thrift stores and vintage shops scattered throughout the city, it’s easy to get lost in the charm and history of Portland’s past. Thankfully, the city’s close-knit community and helpful shop owners make navigating these neighborhoods enjoyable and rewarding, turning each shopping trip into a memorable experience.
Sustainable and High-End Vintage
For vintage lovers, Portland offers numerous options to find unique and stylish pieces while also prioritizing sustainability. Many boutiques and shops in the city focus on providing high-quality vintage items and giving a second life to fashion pieces.
One such store is Modo, located on East Burnside & 7th. Modo’s inventory includes vintage clothing as well as ethically and sustainably sourced new items from independent designers. They also carry jewelry, self-care products, and gifts.
In the quest for sustainable vintage shopping, Hollywood Vintage is another store that offers a diverse range of clothing items, accessories, and home goods. Located on 2757 Northeast Pacific Street, they house up to 70 vendors selling their vintage treasures.
If you’re interested in vintage furniture, LookModern on 800 SE Hawthorne Blvd, specializes in Scandinavian and mid-century designs. They’re open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For those who love both sustainable and high-end shopping, Vein of Gold is an excellent choice. This store offers a curated selection of designer clothing and accessories, such as a Mexican dress by Jessica A. Diaz and suede royal blue platform sandals by Simone Rocha.
Another option for sustainable shopping is Take It or Leave It, which allows customers to buy, consign, and trade vintage and newish items for their home and wardrobe. This shop features antique pottery, quirky clothes, and locally made jewelry.
By shopping at Portland’s sustainable and high-end vintage stores, you can indulge in your sense of style while also contributing to a more eco-friendly and ethical fashion industry.
Local Vintage Markets and Events
Portland has a thriving vintage scene, with numerous markets and events where you can find unique, high-quality vintage items. In this section, we will explore two types of local vintage gatherings: flea markets and vintage vendor collaborations.
Flea Markets
Flea markets in Portland are excellent places to find vintage items, with many vendors offering a wide range of products. One popular event is the Portland Flea, a monthly market where vendors showcase a variety of vintage items such as clothing, home goods, accessories, and more. Another notable flea market is the Monticello Antique Marketplace, which features antiques, vintage home decor, and collectibles.
Here are a few prominent Portland flea markets:
- Portland Flea
- Curiosities Vintage Mall
- Monticello Antique Marketplace
These markets are known for their diverse collections, friendly atmosphere, and passionate vendors.
Vintage Vendor Collaborations
In addition to flea markets, Portland has a lively scene of vintage collaborations between vendors that provide unique shopping experiences. One such event is the Rose City Vintage Market, where dealers in the region come together to showcase their best vintage products, including antiques, midcentury items, Americana, and more. This event offers both indoor and outdoor shopping experiences, making it a must-visit for vintage enthusiasts in Portland.
Collaborative events like the Rose City Vintage Market provide excellent opportunities for shoppers to discover a wide range of items from various vendors all in one place. These events are also perfect for networking and learning about the latest trends and styles in the vintage community.
New Alternatives to Vintage Shops
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a popular vintage and consignment store with a location in Portland. Known for its vast selection of unique clothing items, the store operates under a buy, sell, and trade model, allowing customers to sell their own clothing for cash or store credit. The merchandise caters to individuals looking for one-of-a-kind, affordable vintage pieces, as well as those who are conscious about the environment and sustainable fashion. Buffalo Exchange focuses on creating a diverse shopping experience and aims to make vintage shopping more accessible.
- Store Hours: Mon-Sun 11 AM-6:30 PM
- Address: 1420 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR
- Website: buffaloexchange.com
Village Merchants
Village Merchants is an eclectic store in Portland that offers a mix of vintage, secondhand, and new items. In addition to clothing, the store also provides home goods, accessories, and more. With a focus on offering a unique shopping experience, Village Merchants appeals to those who enjoy both vintage and modern finds. The store is organized in sections, making browsing simple and enjoyable.
- Store Hours: Mon-Sun 11 AM-6 PM
- Address: 4035 SE Division St, Portland, OR
- Website: thevillagemerchants.com
Both of these shops provide a fresh take on vintage shopping, with their wide range of items designed to cater to different tastes and styles. Whether you visit Buffalo Exchange or Village Merchants, you are likely to find a unique piece that matches your personal style.
Vintage Shopping Amid Pandemic
Safety Precautions and Adaptations
During the pandemic, Portland vintage shops have implemented several safety precautions to ensure the well-being of their customers. Many stores have limited the number of customers allowed inside at a time, ensuring adequate space for social distancing. Hand sanitizing stations can be found in most shops, and face masks have become a requirement for both employees and customers.
In addition to in-store safety measures, many vintage shops have pivoted to online sales through platforms like Instagram and Etsy. This allows customers to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their homes, minimizing the risk of exposure. Some stores also offer curbside pickup and local delivery options for added convenience.
In Real Life Challenges
As with many businesses during the pandemic, Portland vintage stores faced numerous challenges in their day-to-day operations. One of the major hurdles was the fluctuating nature of COVID-19 restrictions, which led to inconsistent foot traffic and store hours. Consequently, store owners needed to be adaptive and creative in developing strategies to survive and thrive.
The shift to digital platforms, while a necessity, also posed its own challenges. Ensuring the accurate representation of items online, such as color, texture, and size, was crucial for customer satisfaction but could be difficult to achieve with limited resources. Additionally, vintage shop owners had to learn new skills related to social media presence, digital marketing, and e-commerce in order to succeed in the online market.
Despite these hurdles, the resilience and creativity of Portland vintage shops during the ongoing pandemic continue to make them vital destinations for unique, stylish, and sustainable fashion options.
Exploring Portland Neighborhoods
Portland, Oregon, is known for its unique neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Two of these neighborhoods, in particular, boast a rich collection of vintage shops that captivate shoppers with their nostalgic and eclectic finds.
Hawthorne District
The Hawthorne District is a vibrant and walkable neighborhood that features block after block of vintage shops, boutiques, cafes, and historic venues. Located in Southeast Portland, this area is a treasure trove for vintage clothing enthusiasts.
Visitors can spend hours roaming the streets and browsing through the wide selection of retro apparel. Many of the shops here specialize in clothing from different eras, and shoppers can find everything from 1920s flapper dresses to 1980s high-waisted jeans. Additionally, Hawthorne District is filled with cafes and eateries where visitors can refuel and relax in between shopping sprees.
Sandy Boulevard
On the other side of town, Sandy Boulevard is home to several noteworthy vintage shops, including Hollywood Babylon. This store specializes in 70s, 80s, and 90s vintage clothing and accessories and offers a wide variety of unique finds at reasonable prices. Some examples of items you might come across include a Pendleton two-piece flannel set for $134, pretty 1940s dressing gowns, and a Chanel-vibed dark blue wide-legged romper for $38.
Sandy Boulevard is situated in the heart of Portland’s Northeast area, which is known for its diverse and creative community. The vintage shops here serve as crucial points of interest in helping to preserve the history and old vibe of Portland.
Record Collections and Music Shops
Portland is known for its thriving vintage scene, and this extends to its record collections and music shops. For music lovers, the city offers an abundance of stores where you can find vintage records, unique music collectibles, and even rare musical instruments.
One such store is Music Millennium, a long-standing business in the city since 1969. With its extensive collection of used and vintage music, this store can satisfy any audiophile’s craving for rare and hard-to-find records.
Apart from Music Millennium, Red Fox Vintage is another great place to look for record collections. Located in southeast Portland, this shop offers a diverse assortment of vintage items, including records that cater to various musical tastes.
When looking for vintage music collections, it’s also essential to explore some niche shops that specialize in specific genres. For instance, House of Vintage is a collective of over 60 independent dealers sharing 13,000 square feet of space, providing Portland with an extensive array of vintage clothing, furniture, and art, as well as music collections.
As you explore Portland’s vintage shops, remember the importance of supporting local businesses by shopping at locally owned and operated stores, like Workshop Vintage. This boutique offers locally designed goods alongside vintage items, including records and music collectibles.
Streetwear and Sportswear
In Portland, you can find plenty of vintage shops offering unique streetwear and sportswear options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Two notable shops in this category are Zig Zag Vintage and Thee Lucky Bastard.
Zig Zag Vintage
Zig Zag Vintage is a vibrant boutique specializing in period-accurate vintage streetwear and sportswear. The store offers a curated collection of items, including:
- Vintage tees and sweatshirts
- Retro athletic wear
- 80s and 90s-inspired sneakers
At Zig Zag Vintage, customers can expect to find brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok represented, as well as limited edition and classic pieces from sports teams and pop culture icons. The store’s knowledgeable staff takes pride in offering a unique shopping experience and helping customers find the perfect items for their style.
Thee Lucky Bastard
Thee Lucky Bastard is another Portland gem that focuses on distinctive streetwear and sportswear pieces. This store stands out with its impressive selection of items, such as:
- Band tees and concert merchandise
- Vintage sportswear from various decades
- Military surplus gear
In addition, Thee Lucky Bastard features a collection of new items from select urban and streetwear brands. Shoppers can expect an eclectic mix of clothing and accessories that cater to a wide range of styles and preferences.
These two shops offer a glimpse into Portland’s thriving vintage streetwear and sportswear scene, making them must-visit destinations for fashion enthusiasts and treasure hunters alike. Visit Zig Zag Vintage and Thee Lucky Bastard to find unique and authentic pieces that will add character and charm to your wardrobe.
