Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg is 30,000 square feet of unique, upcycled and handcrafted

The repurposing craze and a growing side hustle nation are ingredients for success at Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg.

Housed in a repurposed building on Union Street that once was home to Palmetto Textiles, Vintage Warehouse is an assemblage of about 70 artisans and craftspeople offering everything from pillows to pottery.

“A lot of artisans can’t afford high rent and high commissions, so we’ve created a space where we can keep expenses low and allow our vendors to still make a profit,” said Vintage Warehouse Founder and Co-Owner Jane Crook.

For those who work full time and sell their art or handcrafted items on the side, Vintage Warehouse is a perfect setup, adds Co-Owner Danielle Kaminski. “We help with merchandising and marketing, if needed, and we sell their products for them. We help give a presence to those who may want to start a business.”

For Cheryl Gutberlet of Mauldin, Vintage Warehouse gives her an opportunity to keep her products in front of potential buyers. A resident vendor, the owner of Paint Upon Pillows rents a spot year round for her custom painted pillows, coasters, hand towels and plaques.

“If it isn’t walking or running, I paint on it,” Gutberlet says. “Being at Vintage Warehouse lets people see the quality of my work up close – something that’s hard to do online.”

Crook and Kaminski work to give shoppers an eclectic mix of unique items by bringing together painters, furniture makers, ceramic artists, wood and metal workers, jewelry makers and clothiers from across the Upstate and Western North Carolina.

At 30,000 square feet, Vintage Warehouse has built a reputation as a shopping destination for small gifts, clothing, handcrafted jewelry, collectibles, home décor and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Shoppers also can find locally made essential oils, natural laundry detergent and even organic elderberry syrup. And the store’s garden center offers plants for sale, as well as repotting services.

“A lot of people who come in for the first time are expecting an antique mall type atmosphere,” Crook said. “It’s wonderful to see the looks on their faces when they realize that it’s a cohesive collective.”

In addition to a destination for shoppers, Vintage Warehouse has become a destination for doers. The store’s Do It Yourself Hallway features art supplies, paint, frames and more for those wanting to try a bit of restoring or repurposing of their own. Art classes also are available.

In April, Vintage Warehouse will host its Spring Market & Showcase, a seasonal event that features visiting vendors alongside resident vendors.

Want to go?

What:  Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg

Where:  1201 B Union Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, (864) 256-0892

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information on classes, events and vendors, visit Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg online.