It’s a new era for Haliburton’s Mixtape Vintage.
The retro apparel, accessories and decor shop has moved from its Highland Street storefront, shared with Russell Red Records, to the former barbershop below Halco Plaza.
“When I saw that space become available, it really kicked me into high gear because it’s been a struggle to find a space I thought I could manage,” said owner Heidi Hudspith.
She said the move means both she and Dan Manley, who owns Russell Red Records, can expand their offerings after spending two years testing the waters of Haliburton retail together.
“I’ve built that clientele who come in regularly to check out what I have,” Hudspith said. “That’s what kind of pulled me through the winter months.”
Hudspith said it was a perfect window of time to move shop.
“Being closed for a few weeks [in March] wasn’t devastating. It gave me the opportunity to move and get set up before the cottage people arrive and we have our busy time of year,” she said.
Mixtape Vintage’s new location is awash in the bright warm colours of the 60s and 70s. Vibrant dresses and patterned sweaters hang neatly under tall shelves stocking everything from candles and greeting cards to local art to houseplants, sold on commission.
“It all kind of works with the Mixtape Vintage brand,” she said.
Hudspith also created a line of t-shirts, sweaters and totes emblazoned with the “Haliburton is for Lovers” 1970s tourism slogan.
“I plan to keep evolving that and playing around with the vintage aesthetic of what used to be here, what used to be prominent,” she said.
Vintage trends are intertwined with mainstream fashion now, Hudspith said. She said sweaters, comfortable dresses and leisure clothes are selling fastest and COVID-19 might be to blame.
“We’re searching for comfort. We’re working from home, we’re not doing big celebrations as much. I’m curious to see if that changes this summer,” she said.
