Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Halverson.
Richard, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been collecting vintage clothes and various antiques since I was a boy. My Dad used to take me to Antiques Fairs from an early age and I got bitten by the bug (sometimes literally) of anything vintage ever since. At high school I used to wear a faux fur coat and a trilby and grew my hair long. In my twenties I managed 2 stores for Levi’s and got an appreciation for denim and classic casual wear. I moved from UK in 2011 and enjoyed attending Flea markets every week as a pastime. It suddenly occurred to me that unless I started selling I’d have to stop buying, and who wants to do that? So, I decided in early 2016 to start buying only with a view to building up sufficient stock. I bought a 76 truck, clothes rails and a canopy and did my first Flea market in mid-2016.
I now. sell at a Flea market every Sunday, and at Silverlake Flea one Saturday per month, every Saturday as of Feb 10th as they are opening weekly. I also sell at Long beach, Rose bowl, Melrose Trading Post and sometimes at Santa Monica Airport.
What about online? Well honestly it bores me to tears and although financially it would make sense, there’s no interaction with the customer which to me is the fun part. Already I have stylists and designers who come to me alongside anyone who appreciates 80’s and earlier casual wear, denim, workwear and military wear. I even stock vintage kid’s clothes which are popular.
The best way to find out where I’ll be is on Instagram on Friday and Saturday as I post which market I’m heading to.
I’m happy to take private appointments at my home also.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge is explaining to some customers why an original band shirt from the 70s or 80s is justifiably more expensive than a recent reprint from Urban Outfitters or Lucky Brand.
My vintage collection is carefully picked, cleaned and repaired and curated. Unfortunately, some people still anticipate swap meet or garage sale prices, but I suppose they aren’t really my target market anyway.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pickpocket Vintage – what should we know?
Although there is currently a great market for Hilfiger and Polo stuff, to me these are outlet items from the 90s that my less fashionable friends used to buy. Yes, Vintage clothing can get a little snobby:) I’m happy to research and explain the reason single stitch tees are better than double stitch and how Levi’s had a twisted seam issue in the early 90s. Ok snobby and geeky.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think the fact that I still passionately collect and wear vintage clothes every day comes across. I’m not doing this just for money, I just hit lucky in finding that my passion pays off. It really doesn’t feel like working, despite having to get up at 3am for some of the Fleas.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2133099762
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/pickpocketvintage
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