Racks of vintage shirts, one-of-a-kind pieces and handmade goods line the parking lot of Pavement, a local thrift shop, as fashion-forward students and Austinites hunt for their latest thrift find. This is not an uncommon sight for a Sunday, as vendors from all over the state set up shop at the Guad Vintage Market, bringing unique finds to The Drag.
Hosted by Pavement, the Guad Vintage Market appears every Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at 2932 Guadalupe St., providing a space for patrons to shop at independent vendors and small businesses. Since its inception roughly four years ago, the market has become a hub for student shopping, which market coordinator Sara Herbowy attributes to the market’s proximity to the University.
“The Drag is such a big thrifting spot already with Pavement, Leopard (Lounge and) Buffalo (Exchange),” advertising and sociology senior Herbowy said. “A lot of students come here to thrift, so I think the location is a big part of it.”
While students benefit from the easy access to the market, vendor Kirstine Haynes said the location also benefits sellers.
“There’s a larger flow of younger people because of UT,” Haynes said. “That’s usually why I pop up here — because people like trendy things here.”
Haynes said she is from San Antonio and isn’t the only vendor who makes the journey to Austin for the Guad Vintage Market.
“I drive up from Houston,” vendor Bunni Barnes said. “I just really like the energy. Everyone’s always really nice, and management’s good, so I’ve been doing it for a long time.”
On Aug. 17, a live DJ played upbeat music at the market while shoppers browsed. Patron Maya Reza said it was her first time at the Guad Vintage Market, and said she found the selection of clothes impressive.
“(I’m) seeing new things I didn’t think would ever be my style, and I’m like, ‘Wait, this is actually kind of cute,’” Reza said. “If you go to a store, you’re not going to see that. Everything is basic (and) modern, and here, everything’s different.”
In addition to clothes, the market contains jewelry, vinyl and other artisanal items. Herbowy said her love for the handmade goods available at the Guad Vintage Market began even before stepping into a management position.
“We have one crochet vendor who frequents the market, and she makes all sorts of different flowers that you can buy,” Herbowy said. “Over time, even before I became the market coordinator, I started buying her flowers, and now I have a whole crochet bouquet in my room, and I always like to add to it.”
For incoming and current students, the market is an excellent opportunity to shop for second-hand local goods.
“We are very appreciative of the customers that come out because it’s a really nice way for people to make a living being their own boss and working with things they like,” Herbowy said. “I’m glad that Pavement gets to host the space for that, and I hope we can continue to do that.”
