Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Pettenger.
Allen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got started selling clothing back in Denver, CO. I have always had a passion for fashion, and after running my own brand for some years, the idea of picking up second hand pieces came on naturally. I began hunting at thrift stored and scouring the internet for deals that I could turn a profit from.
In 2016, I moved to Long Beach, CA and soon found a retail store with a price point I could manage; so I hopped on it and began pushing my items in there. Nothing’s New was the name of the shop, although it only lasted a year due to unforeseen circumstances.
After three years of living in LA County, I decided to move to Phoenix, AZ to be closer to my family and try a change of pace. I currently thrift most days, and spend a few days a month selling at local and CA markets like Silver Lake Flea and Rose Bowl Flea in Pasadena.
Currently in Arizona, I am organizing a vintage clothing market in uptown Phoenix called Pickers Playground. (@pickersplayground / www.pickersplayground.com) My first event will be March 21st.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the challenges I have faced were learning my lesson on what /what not to buy; dealing with online scammers, theft, managing overhead, and how to run day to day operations.
Through trial and error, I prevailed and adapted. I think the key to growing any business these days is learning how to adapt. We never stop learning, and you never know enough.
Please tell us about Nothing’s New.
My seller name is Nothing’s New. I buy and sell mostly second hand clothing & accessories and turn them for a profit. It may seem easy, but there is a lot more to it than you would think. I sell online with platforms like Grailed, eBay, depop, and Instagram.
I specialize in rare 80’s-90’s pop culture t-shirts (music, art, name brands, technology) as well as modern streetwear brands. My library of brands that I sell is broad, too many to name but some popular brands I always pick up are Comme des Garcons, Brain Dead, Chinatown Market, Bape, Supreme, Chrome Hearts, Nike, Carhartt, and more.
I think my wide range of inventory and knowledge of streetwear & vintage sets me apart from others. That and my consistent work ethic. Even on my occasional day off I find myself doing small things to keep the business running efficiently. I would say I am most proud of turning this passion into a full-time job.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I started over, I would be a little more careful with some of the things I rushed into in the past. One of those things would be opening my retail store in Long Beach. Retail can be fun but also very stressful and time-consuming. Another thing would be to choose my business partners wisely.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grailed.com/nothingsnew
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @nothingsnew.us
- Other: www.pickersplayground.com
Image Credit:
Jamie Allio
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