Vintage Roundup: Three Stores You Need to Visit
The shop local movement is stronger than ever in Wichita and its surrounding areas. Here are a few shops with vintage inspired and farmhouse decor that you need to check out!
The Vintage Rhinestone
For Kechi store owner Sherry Smith, going to work is nothing short of a good time. That’s because of her customers, who come in seeking unique, vintage inspired home decor, often become fast friends with Smith over talks of industrial corbels and antique garden pieces.
Smith, who opened the store in 2014, sells items brought in by multiple local vendors who cater to shoppers looking for “anything rusty and chippy.”
“I tend to buy things that I like, that I would buy. When I shop, I don’t know what I’m looking for until I see it.” Items such as architecture wood pieces, cotton wreaths, and antique kitchen scales remain on trend so she restocks them often.
In three years, Smith has evolved her business into more than just a boutique but a customer experience. The store’s Facebook page encourages followers to sign up for DIY classes and seasonal celebrations, which often sell out. She hosts an annual Outdoor Vintage Market that attracts thousands looking to enjoy live music and food trucks while shopping. Smith would like to host it again in the fall.
“The store is just a happy place where people can come and have fun,” Smith said.
The Cottage Market
Located next door to The Vintage Market, owners Taylor O’Neal and Amanda Maness pride themselves on filling their store with artistic pieces made by local vendors, many of whom are stay-at-home moms. These “work wives,” as Maness calls them, make what industrial farmhouse décor ranging from restored furniture to hand painted windows and wall coverings.
The store is reset with new decor every Wednesday. Shoppers interested in learning calligraphy, how to use chalk paint or learn how to decorate a cake can sign up on the store’s Facebook page.
“People will drive for miles to come out to the store. We have a lot of repeat customers,” Maness said. “One woman drove all the way from Dallas just to visit the store.”
Maness is looking forward to the launch of The Cottage Market’s website in the near future.
Location and Hours
Thursday's 4-7 Friday's 10-5 Saturday's 10-5
The Nectar Republic
Lisa Williams’ friends knew her hand-poured candles needed to be sold to others and her hobby quickly evolved into a business. Her candle store and mercantile, located in Clifton Square since November 2016, is seeing explosive success thanks to the word-of-mouth rave reviews of local shoppers. Formerly branded as Milk & Honey, the business became The Nectar Republic last year.
Williams sells home handcrafted soy candles, wax melt, and organic bath goods. The store also houses products made by Midwestern vendors including all-natural honey, painted furniture, and soaps.
Fans of the on-trend farmhouse decorating style appreciate Williams’ eye for design.
“I love farmhouse style. It’s what resonates with me and it’s very Midwest.” Items in the store reflect that aesthetic.
In fact, the popularity of Williams’ all-natural goods caught the attention of Whole Foods. The organic grocer carries her products in a few of its stores including its Wichita location.
Eventually, Williams hopes to expand her bath-and-body line and grow into other markets. Shoppers pay it forward with every purchase as 10 percent of profits go to Save the Bees.
Those interested in taking classes can enroll online to learn weaving and candle making.
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