Summary
Rare opportunity to acquire an established independent vintage clothing business with over 8 years of trading history, an established customer base and a strong presence in Melbourne's inner north.
Location Details
Located on busy Sydney Road in Brunswick, around plenty of popular cafes, bakeries and shops, as well as recent and in-development apartment blocks. 5 minute walk to two train stations, a tram stop out the front, and plenty of on-street parking.
Potential
Significant potential for growth under a more actively involved owner. The business is currently operated around the owner's full-time studies, meaning there is considerable scope for a buyer with more time to increase revenue and profitability. Opportunities include increasing owner hours and involvement, direct vintage sourcing to improve margins, expanding trading hours, growing online sales, increasing social media and marketing activity, developing new sales channels, and increasing stock turnover.
Skills
No formal qualifications or previous industry experience required. The business was established and successfully developed by the current owner without prior experience in the vintage clothing industry. A genuine interest in vintage fashion, customer service and retail is beneficial. Basic business, sourcing, merchandising and social media skills can be learnt on the job.
Lease
Current ongoing lease, 3-year option from 1 Apr 2027. Combined commercial & residential with dwelling.
Reason for Sale
The business is being offered for sale due to the owner's full-time university studies, which have significantly reduced the time available to dedicate to the business. After more than 8 years of building the business, the owner is ready to pass it on to someone who can devote more time and energy to its continued growth and development. This is a genuine sale and presents an opportunity for a new owner to take an established business to its next stage.
About the Business
This independent vintage clothing business offers a rare opportunity to acquire an established retail operation with an existing customer base, strong local presence and significant potential for growth. It specialises in curated vintage clothing and has built a loyal customer following and established brand over many years.
The business operates from a unique combined retail and residential premises. The shop and dwelling are inseparable and form part of the same lease. The residential component is currently subleased, and has consistently and significantly offset the cost of rent for the shop (the split is currently around 84% for the house and 16% for the shop). The incoming purchaser will take on the existing premises arrangement, subject to landlord approval.
The retail premises features a fully windowed front-facing aspect, providing abundant natural light and street visibility. Brick walls, white floors and ceilings create a clean, open feel and neutral backdrop for merchandising. The premises also includes a small dedicated storage room with a toilet and sink. The dwelling is at the rear of and above the shop and has 5 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 2 living spaces and a kitchen.
The sale includes the established business, brand and goodwill, social media presence, fixtures and fittings, business systems and curated vintage inventory. Current stock is estimated at approximately $35,000 retail selling value and will be valued separately at settlement.
The business would suit an owner-operator with an interest in vintage fashion, an existing vintage seller looking to establish a physical retail presence, or someone seeking an established fashion business with scope to grow.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you are interested and would like to know more!
History
Established over 8 years ago, the business has grown from a small independent vintage clothing venture into an established bricks-and-mortar retail business in Brunswick. Over the years it has developed a loyal customer base, established brand identity, strong local presence and social media following. The business has been owner-operated throughout, with the current owner building the business from the ground up and developing established sourcing, merchandising and retail systems.
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