Since its opening in 2023, Drop Spot Vintage, located at 605 Richmond St., has grown in popularity, especially among the younger crowd through word of mouth. The clothing store aims to offer a unique blend of vintage, sustainable, and nostalgic fashion at affordable prices.

Owner Josh Brintnell shared what he thinks Londoners love about his business. 

“Drop Spot London has been doing great since opening. We see new and repeat customers daily,” said Brintnell. “Our store has been exciting for everyone who comes into the shop. Customers love the nostalgia and the environment we have provided.”

The warm welcome from the community has been instrumental in the store’s success, reflecting the city’s appreciation for vintage fashion and sustainable practices.

“Whether it be to shop or admire the décor and reminisce about their childhoods, the locals have exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to seeing new and old faces in the future,” Brintnell said. The first Drop Spot Vintage store emerged in Hamilton, and after its success, Brintnell wanted to expand the business in London.

“Hamilton and London have large student populations, and we wanted to bring affordable, trendy vintage to the city. We want young people to think twice about shopping for fast fashion and open their eyes to the idea of second-hand apparel. Changing how we think will have a heavy impact on our planet. Opening new locations can only solidify that further,” Brintnell said.

Brintnell also noted the way vintage clothing influences fashion.

“Vintage clothing is, has and will always be in fashion. All current fashion has derived from vintage pieces in one way or another. The difference is quality. Clothing used to be crafted with care and made to last a lifetime. Every piece in our store has its unique history, our job is to relocate it and give it a new future,” Brintnell said.

Drop Spot meticulously sources its inventory from textile warehouses, rescuing garments and granting them a new lease on life instead of dumping them in landfills.

“A place you would call the ‘end of the line,’” Brintnell explained. “We strive to rescue pieces and give them a new life instead of being tossed into a landfill. Although it may be small, our environmental impact is important, and we truly believe every step we take matters.”

The store’s commitment to conscious consumerism is evident through its efforts to rescue items from industrial warehouses and plant trees with every order through its website. On this website, vintage clothing lovers can buy t-shirts, sweaters, pants, and shorts in sizes ranging from the smallest to beyond 2XL. Plus, all purchases over $100 will have free shipping throughout North America.

For Brintnell, the amalgamation of pricing, diversity, and curation is vital to Drop Spot’s distinctiveness.

“London has a variety of vintage stores. However, what sets us apart is pricing, variety, and selection,” Brintnell affirmed. “We do our best to cater to many different styles of clothing. We always want you to find something you love and cannot live without. We keep our inventory fresh and have many pieces to choose from. Whether you’re a collector or just looking for something to wear daily, we have it.”

Vintage stores have a stigma of being expensive and not affordable. That’s why Drop Spot’s commitment to affordability is notable: its lower priced items are $30 or less, democratizing vintage fashion and making it accessible to all.

“No other stores have the competitive prices we offer. We want everyone to be able to wear vintage,” Brintnell asserted. “Second-hand shopping is an amazing way to combat consumerism and save money in the long run.”

Word of mouth has undoubtedly spread good feedback about this store but posting online ads and hosting in-store events for customers have also been critical parts of its marketing strategy. At one of the store’s events, customers enjoyed drinks and coolers while purchasing specially selected items.

Whether you’re a fashion vintage or committed to the environment, Drop Spot Vintage will warmly welcome you. This local clothing business is not just any old thrift store. It embodies a commitment to sustainability, affordability, and community engagement. A refreshing alternative, reminding us that style need not come at the expense of our planet’s well-being.