A new shop is coming to York – in a unit that was previously home to part of the Barnitts store.
Work is underway to turn the empty shop on Colliergate in 22Retroholics.
The ninth of its kind, the York store will stock vinyl, clothing, retro signs, prints and more.
And shop owner Clement Anderson has visions of sharing the three-storey space once his business is up and running.
He started running retro stores from Camden in London in the early nineties, following his days selling posters in cities around the country.
He now has eight other sites in London, Glasgow, and Manchester, all stocking similar vintage goods under the Onawallnearyou brand.
“I’ve got three shops in Camden Market, I’ve been in Camden Market for 35 years doing this!” he said.
With years of experience under his belt, Clement secured the Colliergate site on 20 August, and has been commuting between York and London to singlehandedly fit it out.
“I’ve got five days to do as much as I possibly can. So I left here at about quarter to 10 last night, it’ll be the same tonight as well.
“It’s long days, but I don’t mind doing it. I’m here for that reason, I want it to be perfect.”
The retro sanctuary promises to be a unique emporium for students and vintage lovers alike.
The aesthetic is yet to be confirmed, as Clement is “making it up as he goes”, but the visions include woody terracotta walls, covered in prints, lit with neon signs.
The facade of the shop is currently boarded up with paper, as Clem believes once shoppers get a peak of what’s to come, it will get busy.
“I don’t want to take the stuff off the window, because once we start putting art on the walls, the door won’t stop. But once everything is finished, it’s going to be boom, it’s going to be exciting!” he told YorkMix.
Sharing the building
The space inside is surprisingly vast, and each of the three floors is lined with wooden beams and lit with natural sunlight.
Clem told YorkMix he’s only looking to trade on the lower floor and is seeking tenants to host the other two floors, either on a permanent or temporary ‘pop-up’ basis.
“I’m looking for someone to take the first floor, maybe a vintage clothing business or someone with their own fashion business?”
Whilst we explored the building, Clem revealed he’s open to ideas, discussing yoga classes, pop ups, and other potential suggestions.
He encourages anyone interested in using the upper floors to get in touch.
October opening
Despite Clement only planning one more short stay in York between now and October, he’s certain the store will open its doors from the beginning of next month.
When asked how he’s feeling about branching out in the city, he said: “I’ve still got a buzz about a challenge and this is a challenge.
“I don’t know what York’s like, it might not work, it’s high rent – but let’s just do it.”
With staffing opportunities available, Clement is hoping to hand the overseeing of the business to someone he can trust.
He’s also looking for part time staff to help out in the store, but he has one condition.
“Phones are a big thing for me, if I’m paying someone to be here to work, your phones a no no.
“I don’t mind them using the phone if needed, but when you get four or five people in a shop looking at stuff, and staff behind the desk looking at a phone, no, sorry, bye!”
If you think you have what it takes to run the new retro haven, or looking to discuss a pop up idea for the upper floors, get in touch with Clement via [email protected].