stores we love
Re-Runs
Westport/West Bottoms Digging thr ough a gigantic vintage closet is just our style, and we always f ind something we love at Re-Runs!
VKC: How would you describe the style of the items in your shop? Ken: We carry a general line of one-of-a-kind high quality casual and formal vintage cloth- ing and accessories for women and men. VKC: What is your favorite era of clothing? Ken: I love wearing 50s and 60s shirts, casual clothing frequently in muted plaids. I respect all eras of clothing for their unique features. VKC: Where do you find merchandise? Ken: I follow up on all calls we receive from customers interested in selling items. I go through attics and basements, anywhere where I’ve been invited (frequently by peo- ple who inherit estates) to shop. I routinely comb estate sales and of course, people bring in items daily for us to consider. VKC: What is the most expensive item you’ve ever sold? Ken: A 50s strapless satin evening gown covered with teardrop crystal beads designed by a Hol- lywood designer (can’t recall the name) who created clothes for Marilyn Monroe for $650. VKC: What is your business philosophy? Ken: Treat your customers as friends, do all you can to help them, and remember, they are
VKC: How long have you been buying and selling vintage clothing? Ken: Re-Runs has existed at some level since 1984, when I began selling vintage clothing and accessories at the Westport Flea Market on weekends. VKC: What got you started? Ken: I met a woman named Susan who had a booth at the Flea Market and began by shar- ing space/work with her. VKC: When did you decide to open your own business and why? Ken: Susan decided to leave after a year and I had to decide whether or not to continue. By then, I was hooked on the business! My first free-standing store began in 1991 and here we are, with two stores, Westport and the Warehouse, in 2012. VKC: What advice do you have for amateurs? Ken: Buy the most stylish, interesting, and best-condition goods you can find. Stay with authentic pieces and don’t buy “retro,” meaning newly manufactured items designed to look old. VKC: What are your favorite pieces to buy? Ken: I like high-style pieces for both men and women from the 40s and 50s.
the key to your success. VKC: What experience do you hope your customers have in your store? Ken: I hope they will feel at home, have a sense that the store is fun, and that they will want to take home a special item from Re-Runs! VKC: Why do you continue to do what you do? Ken: I truly enjoy the variety of responsibil- ities and the creative nature of what I do. It’s great to work with high quality, beautifully crafted merchandise that has stood the test of time! VKC: Name five other vendors/stores you love. Ken: I’m a fan of Boomerang, Vintage Vogue, Arizona Trading Company, Wild Man Vintage (Lawrence), and Wonderland. The Westport store is open every day, Monday thru Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Re-Runs Warehouse is open every Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the First Friday of each month, same hours. Come shop!
VintageKC / Summer 2012 44
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