“Outdated” might not be the first word you’d use to describe your personal style, but maybe it should be?
This month, Outdated Threads, a vintage clothes retailer, opened up at 2263 Market St. in Centre Market, adding to the Wheeling shopping experience. Founder and owner Nicholas Provenzano, a Wellsburg native, shared his vision for the shop and why small vintage resellers matter.
“I hear from a lot of younger people who say they needed this – vintage clothing is something everyone is interested in – now more than ever – and we’re glad to be an in-person option for people who are looking for something special.”
While Wheeling is home to a few notable clothing resellers, Outdated Threads is unique. Everything in the shop – hats, pants, shirts and pullovers – is vintage from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, with a majority being menswear – something not often seen in the Ohio Valley.
“I have an eye for what young people want, but it’s also fun to see older people come in and share stories about how they wore the same clothes being purchased by people half their age. It gives new life to the phrase ‘what’s old is new again.’
Provenzano also shared his interest in environmental sustainability and how small shops like his can combat unnecessary garment waste.
“One of the driving factors for reseller markets nationwide is often the fact that the quality of newer off-the-rack clothes is lower than what you might find in a vintage shop.”
With fast fashion being one of the worst polluters, with EPA data revealing that each American is responsible for nearly 112lb of textile waste per year, reselling is a critical market not just for the quality of pieces but the recycling of them too.
Having spent nearly five years collecting and curating his inventory from thrift stores and rummage sales across the Ohio Valley, Provenzano is excited to see people in Centre Market discover his shop and find pieces that he fell in love with not so long ago.
In addition to his day job running the store, Provenzano is also a notable artist whose pieces are displayed throughout his shop. Harkening back to vintage cigarette and beer advertisements, he pulls inspiration from his inventory to design his art. These original art pieces shown will soon be auctioned and raffled off for charity on Saturday, Feb. 3 with all proceeds going to the House of The Carpenter. You can buy your raffle tickets in-store.
So whether you’re looking for a vintage Marlboro crew neck or a pair of 90’s light wash wranglers that your dad probably wore, Outdated Threads is a great way to strut down Market Street in style. Stop by their shop at 2263 Market St. Monday through Saturday noon – 7 p.m.
• Rosemary Ketchum is a member of the Wheeling City Council representing Ward 3. Rosemary’s work in community organizing and politics has been featured on TODAY, MSNBC, CBS, and CNN.
