Northampton’s Vintage Guru: A Treasure Trove of Joy
Nestled in the heart of Northampton town centre, an enchanting vintage emporium is making waves and winning hearts. Vintage Guru, located on St Giles’ Street, is an eclectic haven of both vintage and new gifts, homeware, clothes, accessories, and vinyl records. This charming store is also home to a multitude of independent businesses, making it a true champion of local enterprise.
Vintage Guru was born in August 2018, filling the void left by the closure of the beloved vintage emporium, Most Marvellous. The brainchild of business owner Julie Teckman, Vintage Guru is a testament to her passion for supporting independent businesses and revitalising the town centre.
As we approach Small Business Saturday on December 7, Julie emphasises the importance of acknowledging and supporting small businesses. “Small businesses are often overlooked at this time of year. We’re fighting all the time and recognition is really important,” she told the Chronicle & Echo.
Despite its six-and-a-half-year tenure and well-established reputation, Vintage Guru continues to be a delightful discovery for many. “We house around 80 to 90 small businesses which are surviving, growing and thriving,” Julie proudly shares. “There’s lots in the town and people don’t realise it. It can be a surprise when they step outside of what they think they know.”
The Vintage Guru team is deeply grateful to the community for its unwavering support. “We couldn’t survive without them, it’s as simple as that,” Julie admits. She believes that independent businesses can offer a level of flexibility and customer service that larger corporations often can’t match.
“Customers enjoy the atmosphere,” Julie explains. “We’re not chasing the big money and want to contribute to the community we’re based in. Very few customers leave without smiles on their faces. We rise to the occasion and have fun.”
So, next time you’re in Northampton, why not pop into Vintage Guru? You might just leave with a smile on your face and a treasure in your hands.