Newport: Folk Vintage, a secondhand store in Newport, offers a nostalgic shopping experience with its carefully curated collection and charming décor. Owner Sydney Gordon aims to promote sustainable fashion while fostering an inclusive environment, with plans for future expansion and support for women entrepreneurs.
Inside Newport’s bustling retail district lies Folk Vintage, a thoughtfully curated secondhand store that transports shoppers into a delightful past filled with bell-bottoms and cowboy boots. The shop is accented with disco balls suspended from the ceiling and adorned with retro wallpaper, creating an inviting atmosphere that features a cosy couch and an old-school television. This charming environment has been meticulously designed by the shop’s owner, Sydney Gordon.
“I have an old soul and I just love Western ’70s. I took a lot of inspiration from films like Almost Famous,” Gordon explained. Her vision reflects a deep connection to vibrant, less-conservative fashion, which resonates with her free-spirited nature.
Gordon’s journey into the world of vintage started humbly amidst the constraints of her college budget. As she delved deeper into thrifting, she recognised not only the cost savings but also the positive environmental impact associated with shopping secondhand. This newfound passion turned into a side hustle where she sold vintage clothing online, but it wasn’t long until the need for more space became apparent.
In 2022, a serendipitous encounter with a small retail space for rent on Spring Street provided the perfect opportunity for Gordon. Having just moved to Newport from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, six months earlier, she quickly made a decision to establish her store. “The space was a little box that we put together in a week or two,” she recalled. “One thing about me is I can make an abrupt decision and then it’s like tunnel vision: All engines go.”
Folk Vintage relocated to Thames Street in 2023, evidencing Gordon’s commitment to creating a vibrant shopping experience. The store now hosts various sustainable fashion events, including clothing swaps, fill-a-bag sales, and “Fridays at Folk,” where patrons can shop while enjoying live music and browsing through an eclectic assortment of clothing.
Creating an inclusive environment is paramount for Gordon, who values the emotional impact clothing can have on individuals. “I want people to feel confident, especially when they come in and put their trust in me. I want them to walk out and feel their best,” she stated.
Looking ahead, the thirty-year-old entrepreneur has aspirations of expanding the Folk brand, with plans to open additional locations that celebrate different themed eras. There are also intentions to explore sustainable merchandise options, broadening the shop’s eco-friendly appeal. Enthusiastic about supporting other women in entrepreneurship, Gordon aims to inspire others by demonstrating that, as a woman, achieving one’s ambitions is possible through determination.
As Folk Vintage continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the balance of retro charm and modern sensibilities, offering timeless fashion at accessible prices while promoting a sustainable shopping ethos.
Source: Noah Wire Services
