One of Knoxville’s thrift fashion hubs finds a home
In a world dominated by fast fashion, a shift towards sustainability, personal expression and eco-conscious shopping is on the rise, with vintage and thrift fashion leading the charge. Knoxville is embracing this movement, and Retrolocal, a beloved online thrift store, has opened the doors of its first physical storefront.
The official opening took place on Sept. 6, marking a significant milestone in Retrolocal’s nearly decade-long journey. With a focus on curation, personal style and a commitment to sustainability, Carly Gunning, Retrolocal’s owner, has built more than just a business – she’s cultivated a community.
This article dives into the origins of Retrolocal, Gunning’s personal journey and what customers can find at the brick-and-mortar location.
The beginnings of Retrolocal: from high school to a thrift hub
The story of Retrolocal is rooted in personal passion. Gunning first ventured into the world of vintage fashion as a high-school student, shaping her unique style through thrift-store finds. “I was always drawn to the creativity that came with exploring secondhand clothing,” she recalls. “It allowed me to experiment with my style, and that’s something I wanted to share with others.”
In 2015, Gunning officially launched Retrolocal, starting small by selling items through Instagram and Etsy. The idea was simple: to offer a curated selection of vintage pieces for customers to incorporate into their daily wardrobes. As Retrolocal’s online presence grew, so did Gunning’s vision. By 2020, the business expanded beyond digital platforms, with pop-up events at Knoxville’s Old City Market and collaborations with other local businesses.
The success of these ventures highlighted Retrolocal’s hybrid model. Combining an online store with a physical presence allowed Gunning to connect with a broader audience. “We’ve really focused on the website for the past few years,” she explains. “But the pop-ups showed me the power of in-person connections. I realized that a storefront could blend those experiences together.”
What sets Retrolocal apart: everyday wear, sustainability and personal connections
While Knoxville has no shortage of thrift stores, Retrolocal stands out for its emphasis on everyday wear and personal style. “I try to focus on items that people can easily incorporate into their daily wardrobe,” Gunning says. “It’s important that the pieces we offer aren’t just statement items – they’re [also] practical and versatile.”
This philosophy is reflected in Gunning’s sourcing process. She seeks out “true vintage” items – clothing that’s at least 20 years old and made with quality craftsmanship. Her curatorial eye ensures each item tells a story and aligns with sustainability and ethical consumption values. “Vintage fashion is all about cycles,” she explains. “Certain trends come back around, like suede jackets and classic denim. But for me, it’s not just about following trends; it’s about finding pieces that will stand the test of time.”
In a world where fast fashion is wasteful, Retrolocal champions a thoughtful approach to style. “I’ve always been passionate about sustainability,” Gunning says. “When you buy vintage, you’re giving clothes a second life and helping reduce the demand for new clothing production, which is one of the most environmentally harmful industries.”
The new store: a space for fashion, creativity and community
Retrolocal’s new storefront, located at 717 Winona St., officially opened during Knoxville’s September First Friday event, and Gunning couldn’t have been more excited. “This is a dream come true,” she says. “I’ve been working toward this for years. Seeing it all come together feels like a huge triumph.”
Gunning, who sees the space as being “the ultimate dressing room,” envisions it developing into more than just a physical shop. Customers can browse Retrolocal’s fall collection of curated vintage pieces alongside locally sourced jewelry. Gunning’s goal is to create an environment in which people feel comfortable discussing their style, experimenting with different looks and connecting with one another.
“I want people to feel like they can talk about what they’re wearing and why they love it,” she explains. “Fashion is such a personal thing, and I want the store to reflect that. It’s a space where you can really be yourself.”
While the storefront represents a major milestone, Gunning acknowledges the challenges along the way. “It’s been a whirlwind,” she says. “But seeing everything come together is worth it. I’ve set goals for myself and the business online, but having a physical space feels like the next step in realizing my dream.”
The Retrofitted Personalized Vintage Parcel: a new kind of shopping experience
One of Retrolocal’s unique offerings is the Retrofitted Personalized Vintage Parcel. This service allows customers to work directly with Gunning to curate a selection of vintage pieces tailored to their individual style. Whether seeking something specific or leaving it up to her expertise, the service provides a highly personalized shopping experience.
“It’s like having your own personal stylist, but for vintage clothing,” Gunning says. “You tell me what you’re into, what you want to wear, and I’ll handpick pieces that fit your style. It’s a perfect blend of vintage and personalized fashion.”
The Retrofitted Personalized Vintage Parcel has been a hit with Retrolocal’s online community, and Gunning is excited to extend this concept to the physical store. “With the new store, I can offer even more personalized styling services,” she says. “Meeting customers in person and helping them find pieces that resonate with them is really exciting.”
Thrift fashion trends: what’s in and what’s coming back
After nearly a decade in the thrift fashion world, Gunning has a keen sense of trends. She’s particularly excited about the resurgence of certain vintage styles, especially in outerwear. “Suede jackets are making a comeback,” she notes. “When you sell vintage, you see how trends cycle back every few years. People want pieces that are unique, well-made and practical.”
While she’s aware of trends, Gunning remains committed to Retrolocal’s core values. “I don’t want to chase trends just for the sake of it,” she says. “I focus on finding quality pieces that people will love for years to come, not just something that’s popular right now.”
Lessons learned and advice for aspiring thrift entrepreneurs
As a successful business owner, Gunning has learned valuable lessons that she is eager to share with aspiring thrift entrepreneurs. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is to stay true to your vision,” she says. “Don’t do what everyone else is doing. Stick with your style and your gut. People will gravitate toward what resonates with them.”
Despite the challenges, that journey has been rewarding. “Every time I get positive feedback from a customer, it reminds me why I do this,” Gunning says. “Seeing people wear pieces they’ve gotten from Retrolocal – that’s the best part.”
What’s next for Retrolocal?
Gunning is excited about the future. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Knoxville community in a more tangible way. I can’t wait to see where Retrolocal goes from here.”
For Gunning, Retrolocal isn’t just a business – it’s a reflection of her passion for fashion and her desire to connect with others. As she prepares to open her store, she’s eager to see how the Retrolocal community will grow and evolve.
Follow Retrolocal on Instagram at @retrolocal and shop online at retrolocal.com.
brittany@blanknews.com
