“Old Town Vintage” makes Mavericks in style

College students are often “balling on a budget” but still want to look and feel their best. A group of Minnesota State students started Old Town Vintage

Employee Sam Vestal said the inspiration behind Old Town Vintage came from wanting to be a “one stop shop” for college students.

“There was nothing like it in the city of Mankato,” Vestal said. 

The most common items sold are vintage clothes like motorcycle shirts, sportswear and old MSU and Gustavus Adolphus College merchandise. Other popular items include records and retro memorabilia. Items are acquired from other thrift stores, garage sales or from people coming in to trade items. 

“People have brought in their stuff and we can either pay for them or we’ll trade for in-store credit,” Vestal said. “Any place where vintage items can be found, we’re there.”

With thrifting becoming more popular and secondhand stores gaining more traction, it can be difficult to find a store that’s new and exciting. Vestal said the hand-picked curation sets Old Town Vintage from other stores.

“Our owners know what’s trendy and what people want,” Vestal said. “They’re always bringing new stuff in, so every time you go, there’s going to be something different.”

Since the store opened in October, Vestal said the feedback about the store has been positive.

“People come in and say it’s really cool to see a local business trying something new in Kato instead of a corporate business,” Vestal said. “We want to keep growing and we’re planning on opening up the basement of the store in the summer for more stuff.”

Last weekend, Old Town Vintage threw a block party where East Washington Street was blocked off so vendors of all kinds could sell merchandise. Numerous college students attended to pick up fresh outfits. 

“I came out here to find some cool vintage clothes. I’m looking for some nice baggy jeans, maybe a Marlboro hat. I might even become a guy who wears rings,” customer Aiden Rage said. 

“I saw an ad for the event and I’m interested in thrifting,” customer Sarah Anseth said. “I’m looking for costume jewelry and jeans.”

Students also came out to support the thrifting community and meet others who like to thrift as well. 

“I like shopping here because it gives back to local vendors and you can meet many like-minded people,” customer Cam Oferosky said. 

“People should shop her for the community. You get to meet a lot of cool people,” customer Cole Sumera said. “You can also find some holy grails for cheap.”

Vestal said his favorite part of working at Old Town Vintage is getting to meet a bunch of people on a daily basis.

“There’s always someone that’s going to walk in the door you seen before or someone new and it’s fun to hear people’s opinions,” Vestal said. “It’s been an awesome journey so far and I’m excited to see where it goes.”

Old Town Vintage is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Photo Caption: Mankato community gathers to shop at Vintage Fest, held by Old Town Vintage. (Logan Schlosser/The Reporter)

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