Nick’s Vintage: Logan’s thrifting corner
Demand for ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s fashion has exploded in recent years as shoppers of all ages scour the racks of Goodwill and Deseret Industries hoping to strike gold. The resurgence of vintage trends has introduced a growing market for second-hand goods, one which Nick’s Vintage Clothing hopes to corner in Logan.
Owners Nick Marz and Nick Roberts first opened the shop in July 2024. The two forged a friendship through their shared interest in thrifting.
“We had both been in the same industry for years, so we kind of ran in the same circles and became friends through that,” Roberts said in a phone interview with The Utah Statesman.
Marz and Roberts began their journey, as many modern-day vintage retailers do, online.
“We were both selling on eBay for four or five years, then we decided we wanted to open a vintage store alongside our eBay stores,” Marz said. “We looked for a good market where there weren’t really vintage stores, and the other Nick lived in Wellsville, so that’s how it got started.”
Located at 966 W 400 N — along UT-252 and across the street from Burton Lumber — lies Nick’s Vintage. Shoppers can find vintage Carhartt, Harley-Davidson, Nike, the North Face and more from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“We had been looking for a space for three or four months, and saving up money to try and find a brick and mortar,” Marz said. “The spot we’re currently at isn’t the best for foot traffic, but it was the cheapest and in our budget.”
Prospective customers can check @nicks_vtg on Instagram to browse new pieces and inventory hitting the shelves, with new posts popping up every couple days.
“We have a lot of buyers that are consistent and come weekly, so we are happy with how it’s going,” Roberts said. “So far, I think it’s been great,”
Since the store’s opening, @nicks_vtg has amassed over 37,000 followers.
Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Depop have played pivotal roles in popularizing vintage fashion. Trends like “-core” styles have driven many to the clothing racks in search of the perfect “grandpa-core” sweater or Y2K aesthetic halter top amidst racks of damaged, stained or otherwise undesirable clothing.
Stores like Nick’s Vintage operate differently from traditional second-hand businesses like Goodwill or Deseret Industries by specially curating unique vintage pieces.
“Originally, we thought the biggest problem was going to be sourcing clothing, but then we found a way to buy it out of state,” Marz said. “The second hurdle now is getting people to the store, just because it is an odd location.”
Many major thrift and consignment stores sell a curated collection ship clothes from different states, amassing a stock of unique, hard-to-find pieces.
“We’re actually trying to find a place on Main Street, close to Main Street or close to USU,” Marz said. “That’s our goal for next year.”
For many, thrifting is a counter to fast fashion. It provides a sustainable and affordable way to build a wardrobe. According to earth.org, the fast fashion industry produces over one million metric tons of textile waste annually and is responsible for up 20% of the world’s wastewater.
Thrifting is important now more than ever, as the industry’s global emissions are predicted to double by 2030 if no action is taken.
“I think it’s cool to take an old piece of clothing that’s distressed and has been worn by who-knows-how-many people, repurpose it and pass that piece of clothing on,” Marz said. “That’s kind of where the fascination with vintage clothing came from for me.”
Quality is another draw for fans of thrifting. Vintage clothing is often more durable, as it’s made from fabrics like cotton, wool blends or silk instead of synthetic fibers such as polyester. The durability of a vintage piece also comes from its manufacturing process. For example, older clothing utilizes single stitch, which is less likely to snag or unravel than double stitch.
“I like vintage fashion for the quality,” Roberts said. “Something that could be 20 or 30 years old would last longer than the fast fashion that’s made today. I like that it’s sustainable, and I like giving something new life.”
Thrifting offers unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be reproduced, making for a thrilling hunt for those who choose to partake.
“I also like to find new, interesting things I’ve never found before,” Roberts said. “That’s probably the biggest thing — is the hunt to find new things that I’ve never seen before.”
Before social media, thrifting was a hobby kept among local circles who hunted down vintage pieces through word of mouth. However, as thrifting continues to grow in popularity, more and more people are looking to make a business out of thrifting via pop-up shops or e-commerce.
Roberts urged those looking to enter the vintage market to jump right in and discover the ins and outs along the way.
“My tip to small businesses would be you learn a lot by just throwing yourself in and learning as you go,” Roberts said. “You’re not going to know everything before you start.”
Far-reaching communities now form around their favorite local spots and hidden gems.
“I’d love to continue to grow the community,” Roberts said. “I think a big part of that is educating people on why vintage fashion is a great option. My favorite part is the people we’ve met and continuing to find really cool stuff to give a second life to.”
Marz and Roberts hope to imbue Logan with the same love of thrifting.
“My favorite part of running the store is seeing all the people around Logan wearing clothing that we sold to them,” Marz said. “I think that’s cool — that all these kids are wearing repurposed clothing.”