Vintage Clothing Store

         

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Interview with Mason Turner, Owner of The Rusty Closet, a Vintage Clothing Store in Portland, Oregon

1. How did you get into the vintage clothing business?

It all started with my love for unique and authentic clothing pieces. I have always been passionate about fashion and expressing myself through what I wear. I started collecting vintage items from flea markets and thrift stores and it soon turned into a hobby. After a while, I realized I had too many things and decided to open a store so I could share my finds with others.

2. What inspired you to open The Rusty Closet?

I wanted to create a space that not only showcased amazing vintage pieces but also had a welcoming atmosphere where people could come in and have fun while shopping. I wanted to promote sustainability and show people that fashion doesn't have to be wasteful. I also wanted to support local designers and artists by showcasing their work in the store.

3. What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your business?

It was definitely difficult in the beginning. I had no real business experience and had to learn everything from scratch. Finding the perfect location for the store was also a challenge, but I eventually found a quaint little spot in downtown Portland. Building up a customer base was also tough, but social media really helped with that.

4. How did you first utilize Shopify?

I had been selling a few items online before opening the store, but Shopify allowed me to have a more professional and streamlined online presence. It provided an easy way for customers to shop online and for me to manage inventory and sales.

5. How did using Shopify contribute to your success?

Shopify has been instrumental in taking my business to the next level. It's allowed me to reach customers outside of the local area and expand my customer base significantly. Plus, it's so easy to use and has such great customer support.

6. What has been your most unexpected success?

Definitely the amount of support we've received from the local community. People love coming in and chatting with us, sharing stories about their own vintage finds, and just having a good time. The Rusty Closet has become more than just a store, it's become a community hub where people can come together and celebrate their love of fashion.

7. What's next for The Rusty Closet?

We're hoping to expand our online store even more and reach even more customers across the country. We're also looking to expand our in-store offerings by partnering with more local designers and artists to showcase their work. Ultimately, we want to continue providing unique and sustainable fashion options that make people feel good.

         

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