BY TERESA DELFINO
APRIL 18, 2023
Photo Courtesy of Hobos Vintage
Nestled in Cardiff’s iconic High Street Arcade sits Hobos Vintage, a charming and well recognised feature of the Castle Quarter. This wasn’t the owner’s first choice of location back in 1994, but now sits as a proud part of Cardiff’s vintage fashion history. Hobos is a shop known to dwellers of South Wales and generations of students, with its 30-year anniversary approaching in 2024. We spoke with Ben, the owner of said establishment, about his experiences as a vintage curator.
"I think Primark was the worst – fast fashion is still our biggest competitor."
Hi Ben, as the founder of Hobos Vintage, can you tell us a bit about your yourself? Why did vintage fashion appeal to you personally?
My interest in fashion went hand in hand with my passion for music. It started with scar music and the style that went hand in hand with the music and opened my eyes to 60s fashion. I was desperate to get hold of a Cromby. This led me to trawling around jumble sales and vintage clothing stores. I was 13 at the time. Over the next 3 years my interest in attainable vintage clothing grew, along with a thriving small scale buying and selling of vintage clothes to the stores local to me, which I developed good personal relationships with. Kev, the owner of the most successful vintage shop helped me start the Hobos business with his extensive vintage clothing dealers address book. This predates Internet- it was purely word of mouth.
At 14 I was wearing 1940s clothes, at 15, 1940s and 50s clothing which I carried on wearing into my early 20s. I added 60s and 70s clothing when we first opened the store. I still have my first 1940s suit – which still fits! Hobos is coming up to its 30-year anniversary in 2024.
Did you ever expect you’d still be in this line of business now?
Yes, I did expect it. What else is there for me to do! Vintage clothes are all I know.
Your location has become an iconic part of Cardiff’s High Street Arcade. Why did you choose this spot to begin with?
Castle Arcade was the best arcade at the time, but we couldn’t move in there because there were no empty units and three vintage stores in that Arcade already. So, the High Street Arcade was at the right end of own with a couple of really good stores as well. Our shop was a teapot shop before we opened!
To memory, do you have a favourite piece of clothing that you’ve sold?
We sold a bunch of 1960s Biba, Ozzie Clarke and Mary Quant dresses to a special customer.
What have been your greatest challenges as a smaller enterprise?
We’ve had a few. Major recessions, St David’s Two opening and the giant Primark store when it opened. I think Primark was the worst – fast fashion is still our biggest competitor.
Did Covid-19 have any long-lasting impact to vintage sellers like yourself?
It is more difficult to get hold of stock now.
By its nature, vintage fashion is more environmentally friendly than high street companies offering ‘fast fashion’ products. Is sustainability an important feature of your business?
Yes, and it always has been. We’ve always banked ethically, and our bags are recycled and biodegradable. We also painted our basement using clay paint to be less damaging to the environment.
Would you say there is a bigger consumer appetite for vintage now in contrast to the past? Or has it not changed at all?
It’s a roller coaster. Over the last 30 years, sometimes it’s been really relevant and at other times it hasn’t. Vintage clothing is only relevant if it matches what the kids want.
Have you noticed a change in your typical customer since opening years ago?
Yes, gradually over the years the age range has increased.
What are your favourite pieces you have at the moment?
If it’s purely personal, I like 90s American shirts, Champion Reverse Weave sweatshirts, joggers, work wear and chore jackets. I would love to get hold of more colour block pieces as I think it’s a great look.
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