VINTAGE

I have often wondered how vintage shops,
traders and vintage markets and the like
ever get their stock. Where does it come
from? Who supplies it, sorts it out and
generally, where possible, does all the ‘dirty
work’ if you will, and rummaging for us? (On
our behalf, of course.)
Sometimes, in fact probably more often than
not, it is the rummaging we enjoy – the
endless days spent trekking the streets,
charity shops and car boot sales for that
worthy prize. But does it become, at any
point, one long hard slog? For some of us
perhaps (and I hear the rest of you shout
NO!) So it is not surprising that to many, the
two chiming words of ‘Glass Onion’ are
perhaps a vintage God send.
Determined to seek out yet another vintage
experience for myself and of course for you,
dear readers, I launched my trusty steed
across land and countless motorways to go
in search of this emerald vegetable (ok,
perhaps not emerald then but it certainly
has reason to shine….)
I met with Ben Woodhouse, Sales Manager
and general guru when it comes to keeping
the spirit of customer service alive. He
chirps rather proudly that the 15 strong
team of youngsters at Glass Onion HQ are all
passionate about vintage and the quality
that their market demands.
There is a lot to be said for youngsters
coming up the ranks in the vintage scene, as
we discussed in last week’s issue – they are
fresh blood into the system who are taking,
like Glass Onion, the industry by the wide
lapels.
Glass Onion works on a variety of levels and
not just successfully as a business.
Customers can access their extensive stock
through the mail order section of their
website. This is self-explanatory and highly
effective if you know what you want.
Secondly, clients can rock up to one of their
handpicked events (best to contact
bw@glassonionvintage.com) These come
usually once a month, and this is where
customers can come and pick their own
vintage items. All you have to do is register
first (to the email above) and receive your
information through the post prior to the
event. It is best to check the calendar first
on the website. You can get more
information on how these events work for
you and your business through this link
here. Any which way you want to buy,
browse and generally be in the know, they
are a great and friendly team and more than
happy to hear from you – no matter how big
or small your business is.
There is also a Skype service where you can
book a live appointment and the staff can go
through the stock you wish to purchase for
you over the call. There are of course, not to
mention their very successful Kilo
saleswhich allow those customers not able
to get to Barnsley to come and see the stock
for themselves at events around the
country. In the five years of doing these
extraordinary sales, they have developed a
successful partnership with Judy’s
Affordable Fairs, one that continues to
grow…...
It is worth mentioning here that Glass Onion
are more than just a wholesaler in the art of
vintage. They are global, selling to
customers as far as Japan and New Zealand.
Customers can by as little or as much as
they want in terms of weight (kilos.)
So where does it come from? Well, it simply
works back down the chain, and you will
find Glass Onion at the heart of the chain
helping every branch from it. They support
the charities who are unable to literally
process the millions of tonnes of donated
clothing each year over the amount they can
process. Other sources are from rag mills
from all over the world. Glass Onion receive
around 18 tonnes every ten days so even
through 15 staff, it’s a lot of work!