Several times a month on Saturdays or Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., vintage clothing markets pop up in various locations around Knoxville. Some of these locations include Merchants of Beer, Coffee Underground and right outside of Cool Beans and The Hill.
Whether you are looking for a new game day jacket or a last-minute Christmas gift, these vintage markets have a wide variety of styles to choose from.
Everyone is welcome at these events, and anyone is eligible to sell there. MacTownVintage, for instance, is one of many vendors and is run by two UT senior supply management majors, Jonny Liberatore and Ryan Gleason.
Gleason and Liberatore both found an interest in vintage clothing prior to college. The two began collecting in high school and soon realized that thrifting clothing is more cost-efficient, eco-friendly and fun than standard shopping. After starting at UT, they realized that they could turn their passion into a business.
“What started out as a hobby quickly became an obsession,” Gleason said. “Since then, we have expanded our business significantly through networking at local markets and have learned a lot in the process.”
These vendors not only use their storefronts as a business but as a way to express themselves and their style. MacTownVintage offers what most would describe as vintage or streetwear. While many of the vendors have a similar vintage look, there are all sorts of niche items that you can find.
“The clothing selection is a relatively direct representation of our style,” Liberatore said.
Spencer Siefke — @wabiwearrepair — another local vendor, specializes in outdoor wear and items by Patagonia.
These markets not only offer a fun way to buy and sell clothes but a community as well. Gleason said that the community is welcoming and supportive of their efforts.
“We have been able to improve our store so much with the help of the other vendors we have met and became friends with along the way,” Gleason said.
UT junior marketing major Taylor Hogan recently began attending vintage market pop-ups regularly.
“I have found so many new pieces to add to my closet,” Hogan said. “It is also altogether a fun environment. There is always music playing, it is hosted in cool locations all over Knoxville and I have met so many new people.”
In the last decade, the vintage style has become increasingly popular. Not only has it become trendy, but secondhand retail is also a small step for people who are trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
“It’s a small thing that I can do to reduce my carbon footprint, and it’s my favorite new way to spend my weekend afternoons,” Hogan said.
Vintage markets can offer something for everyone. Getting involved is a great way to live greener, get connected with the community, upgrade your style or jumpstart a fashion business.
These markets offer a fun, new way to spend a weekend afternoon and a unique way to discover Knoxville as well. The Merchants of Beer market gives a fresh perspective of Old City, for example. You can go to the market and then enjoy an afternoon downtown, where you might not go otherwise. Whether you are looking to start a new business or just want to browse the items, these vintage markets can be worth a visit.
Check out @vintagemarketknox on Instagram for more details of the locations and times of the pop-ups.
