(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Dozens of stores nationwide will join Chicago in celebrating the first Vintage Store Day this spring.
After seeing the success of retail days like Record Store Day and Stationary Store Day, Emma Lewis says she thought it was about time for a Vintage Store Day and Chicago was the perfect place to start it.
"It is really about supporting the vintage stores in your neighborhood and your city. And Chicago, because we have such a strong vintage scene, and we also are so good at supporting small businesses, I think it's very logical that we start in Chicago."
Lewis says Vintage Store Day is a celebration of small businesses.
"It is picking one day a year to say we're going to hit up all of our favorite vintage spots and support all of our local vintage sellers, and it is an opportunity for retailers to do giveaways or promotions."
Lewis is the owner of vintage and vintage-inspired store Rare Form in Andersonville and one of the masterminds behind Vintage Store Day, happening on May 17 across the country. She is working with the owners of Lost Girls Vintage to bring the day to life.
"It did start with us, kind of brainstorming in Chicago, but I spent many hours Google searching and cold emailing and trying to compile this national list of vintage stores that I reached out to individually," Lewis said.
Now, more than 75 stores across 25 states are participating.
"Having a larger network of store owners across the country that can come together and have this celebration is really unique and fun."
Lewis says there are a lot of reasons to support vintage stores.
"Obviously, sustainability being a big one. And of course, it's just fun to see all of these styles recycled, and how the different decades will come back into fashion. It's a really fun movement to be a part of."
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