Back 2 the Vintage storefront The Xavierite
Standing on West 95th St. less than ten minutes away from Saint Xavier’s campus is Back 2 the Vintage, an impressive vintage shop full of clothing, toys, and collectibles from decades long past.
Back 2 the Vintage opened less than five years ago in Oak Lawn and immediately became a hot spot for vintage collectors. Through their wide variety of items and friendly customer service, the shop gained a reputation for being pricey yet reputable.
I first went to Back 2 the Vintage in 2023 and have been a loyal customer since. Upon entering for the first time, I was transported back forty years. The shop feels like a time capsule, and there’s something unique to catch your eye everywhere you look.
I took my time and combed through the many racks of clothing; there was no shortage of size or design options. Everything is good quality with genuine vintage fabrics and tags intact. It truly is a treasure trove for any seasoned vintage shopper.
After some searching, I found a shirt that piqued my interest. A tie-dye Beatles shirt hung on the rack as if it were waiting for me. Just like every other piece, it was decades old, but the colors were still as vibrant as ever. T-shirt graphics tend to crack and split over time, but Back 2 the Vintage ensures all of its pieces are of the highest quality.
Not only are the clothes top-notch, but the atmosphere and decor of the shop give off a welcoming, nostalgic eighties vibe.
This fits, considering the name of the shop is an obvious homage to “Back to the Future,” a movie that defined the eighties. Colorful LED lights border the ceiling, and retro bicycles are often stationed outside the shop to add to the old-school feel.
The only complaint I have with Back 2 the Vintage is the prices. Vintage shops differ from thrift stores because pieces are handpicked and resold rather than donated by the general public. A simple shirt could be $60, even $80.
However, there are ways to secure deals if you know how. According to their Instagram bio, “all prices [are] negotiable, just offer on the site or DM.”
If you don’t want to offer a negotiation, there are always sale items both on their website and in-store. The children’s section is also perfect if you’re gift-shopping in light of the upcoming holiday season, since it may be kinder to your wallet than the adult section.
I would say pay the shop a visit if you have some extra pocket money, because it’s hard to leave empty-handed. One of the best things about Back 2 the Vintage is that there’s truly something for everyone.
Avid shoe collectors are in luck when it comes to the shop’s large catalog of Jordans and regular Nikes. Music fanatics can find their niche in Kiss or Megadeth shirts from the nineties. Sports connoisseurs can choose between repping the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Sox, or several other teams.
Back 2 the Vintage also boasts incredible customer service. Customers are greeted from the moment they step through the door, and workers are happy to chat with you about the clothing or answer any questions you may have. It’s a very relaxed environment with every worker happy to be there.
Whether you know vintage clothing like the back of your hand or you’ve never stepped foot in a thrift store, Back 2 the Vintage treats you like you’re already part of the club.
Besides the great customer service and quality pieces, Back 2 the Vintage puts itself above other vintage shops by making an effort to stay modern and relevant despite its retro products.
For example, Back 2 the Vintage’s website offers a whole new way to give them your business. Not many independent stores have a website where you can actually shop and receive your items through shipping, but Back 2 the Vintage does.
Their website includes most of their in-store inventory and is updated regularly.
Also, Back 2 the Vintage keeps loyal customers updated through their social media. The shop posts snapshots of new items for sale to over 10,000 followers on Instagram.
If you’re looking for a good place with worthwhile vintage pieces and friendly customer service, Back 2 the Vintage is the place to go if your wallet can handle it.
The shop is located at 5362 West 95th St. in Oak Lawn, and they are open Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.