Knoxville is a hotspot for diverse markets, such as the Old City Market and the Old Sevier Market, where you can explore crafts and indulge in delicious food. Over the past year, Knoxville has witnessed the emergence of Knoxville Vintage Market, a market for the people for the planet.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the owner of KVM and get more details about how it all started.
KVM, founded by Ricky Hopkins, was created to bring a pure vintage market that offers sustainable items to Knoxville. Not only that, but Hopkins wanted to create a community where people of all diverse backgrounds could come together and hang out. KVM events are exactly that. These markets occur monthly, usually on Sundays, offering a space for people to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
The first market occurred a year ago at Merchants of Beer in downtown Knoxville. Since then, Hopkins has organized more than 25 markets, with local businesses eagerly partnering with him to be part of this community-driven initiative.
Since Sundays are traditionally a known slow day for local businesses, Hopkins seeks to boost foot traffic and support establishments like Crafty Bastard Brewery, a frequent venue for KVM events.
The market consists of 25-30 vintage clothing vendors, as well as a DJ and sublime food from different cultures. The vendor process is made easy for you to get involved. Hopkins posts a link to sign up in a first come, first serve manner. Even though there is a first come, first serve maxim due to limited space, Hopkins always opens a spot if you are a first-time vendor.
KVM draws inspiration from various sources, including French Fried Vintage, the Old City Market, the Old Sevier Market and the Punk Rock Flea Market. Before launching, Hopkins reached out to the people who inspired him to share his ideas and received enthusiastic responses. Hopkins getting the approval from his peers was just the motivation he needed to start his own vintage market.
While Hopkins operates the market, he has some help on the creative side. Graphic designer Danica Thompkins produces illustrious posters to promote the markets. Thompkins also works with Hopkins on expanding KVM and making its presence more permanent.
Hopkins has also inspired others to start their own markets. The Great Outdoor Market is a new and upcoming market started by Spencer Siefke, a former KVM vendor. Siefke created The Great Outdoor Market to provide consistent customers for vendors whose income mainly comes from these events.
So far, there have been four Great Outdoor Markets, but Siefke plans for many more. I have had the chance to attend one of the four markets run by Siefke, and it did not disappoint!
Based on my experiences attending these markets, I always come away with incredible memories. Each market showcases unique clothing from various vendors, including the Hopkins brand, Past Around. I consistently discover my most complimented and one-of-a-kind pieces at KVM events. The experience would still be remarkable even if I had no interest in shopping.
The vibrant energy that permeates these markets will instantly make you want to become a part of this community in some way, whether by trying your hand at vending or simply being part of the festivities. KVM has successfully created a welcoming atmosphere in Knoxville, much in line with Hopkins’ vision.
But don’t just take my word for it. Knoxville Vintage Market is hosting two more markets in October for you to experience this wonderful community. You can stay updated with the latest event information on the VintageMarketKnox Instagram page, and I hope to run into some new faces at their next event.
Emma Caskill is a junior at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at [email protected].
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
