Growing up in an immigrant household, my earliest memories of wearing vintage clothing date back to elementary school. Outfits were often thrifted, distinctly unique, and something I took pride in—sparking my sense of style and a lifelong love of fashion.
In 2012, while working for Dress for Success Vancouver, I helped start their Shop for a Cause Sale, a pop-up shop that sold inventory the charity couldn’t use in their boutique. It was a wonderful concept that combined slow fashion with supporting a great cause, and it planted an early seed for my future as a vintage entrepreneur.
What was the inspiration that led you to open Revival in 2024? Why was this the right time and Main St. the right location?
I had been selling a curated collection of vintage clothing at the Storehouse, renting a rack, and seeing my pieces sell well. The location for REVIVAL, formerly a ceramic store, became available, and the owner felt it would be the perfect fit for my business. In February 2024, I decided to take a chance on myself and opened REVIVAL. Main Street was the ideal location—other vintage stores thrive here, and each offers something unique, making it a vibrant and supportive community for my shop. Our motto - Curated vintage for the discerning slow fashion buyer.
What was the inspiration that led you to open Revival in 2024? Why was this the right time and Main St. the right location?
I had been selling a curated collection of vintage clothing at the Storehouse, renting a rack, and seeing my pieces sell well. The location for REVIVAL, formerly a ceramic store, became available, and the owner felt it would be the perfect fit for my business. In February 2024, I decided to take a chance on myself and opened REVIVAL. Main Street was the ideal location—other vintage stores thrive here, and each offers something unique, making it a vibrant and supportive community for my shop. Our motto - Curated vintage for the discerning slow fashion buyer.
What steps are involved in opening your own store? Were there any challenges you faced along the way? Anything unexpected you were surprised by?
Since I took over an existing lease, I had to start paying rent immediately while the store was still closed for renovations. One of the biggest challenges was securing funding from traditional banks, but I was introduced to Vancity and received funding within three days. My advisor also connected me with additional resources for women entrepreneurs, opening doors I hadn’t anticipated and making REVIVAL possible.
Since I took over an existing lease, I had to start paying rent immediately while the store was still closed for renovations. One of the biggest challenges was securing funding from traditional banks, but I was introduced to Vancity and received funding within three days. My advisor also connected me with additional resources for women entrepreneurs, opening doors I hadn’t anticipated and making REVIVAL possible.
REVIVAL is a treasure trove of unique statement pieces, vintage clothing, jewelry, and locally made giftware. The store fixtures and furniture are all secondhand, inspired by the Art Deco Era—bold geometric mirrors paired with vintage brass shelves.
We embrace bold, unapologetic colors. Our signature tiger dress is a standout piece, available for rent so everyone can enjoy it. We also have an excellent selection of 80s and 90s statement blazers and coats that complete any look.
We also believe ever vintage garment comes with a story, so offer a small curated collection of garments with special There's A Story Here tag. Flip the tags over to read the story accompanying each garment.
How do you find the vintage clothing you offer? Do people come to you, do you search it out, or both? What are you most looking for if someone has a piece they want to sell?
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| Revival team - Roberto Florencio Photography |
Our statement pieces come from a variety of sources, including film sets, private estates, online auctions, and local charities. We also accept consignment of unique, colourful pieces made from linen, silk, cotton, and blends. We’re always looking for standout items with distinctive patterns or textures that tell a story.
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| Photo by Roberto Florencio |
I love meeting people who appreciate the curation of the store and being part of the Mount Pleasant business community—it feels supportive and inspiring. The hardest part has been dealing with theft and unwelcome guests, which can create safety concerns for both staff and customers.
Is there anything else you'd like to share in closing?
My vision for REVIVAL is to inspire people to embrace slow fashion by offering a curated selection of unique pieces in a beautiful, clean, and inviting space. Thrifting can be time-consuming, so we encourage people to start with the mantra: “Shop your closet first.” This idea inspired our semi-monthly Ask the Stylist events, where customers bring items from their own wardrobe and receive professional styling advice from Elizabeth Bull.
We also donate 10% of proceeds to Dress for Success Vancouver, allowing customers to shop secondhand and give back at the same time.
Links -
- Website - www.mainrevival.com
- Instagram - @themainrevival
- TikTok - @themainrevival
- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/themainrevival
- YouTube- www.youtube.com/@RevivalStoreYVR
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