Vintage Shopping Guide — Stockholm
ONE SECRET TO COOL SCANDINAVIAN STYLE IS THE ABUNDANCE OF OUTSTANDING VINTAGE STORES IN THE NORTHERN CAPITALS. THIS SECONDHAND SEPTEMBER, OUR SWEDISH FASHION EDITOR SEARCHED FOR THE BEST VINTAGE STORES IN STOCKHOLM AND SELECTED THE 5 MOST OUTSTANDING ONES. WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A VINTAGE TRENCH COAT, SLEEK NORDIC KNITWEAR, OR ICONIC DESIGNER BAGS FROM PAST DECADES, THIS GUIDE POINTS YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. EACH OF THE 5 STORES STANDS OUT FOR ITS FASHIONABILITY, THOUGHTFUL CURATION, AND UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. WHILE SECONDHAND STORES ARE SCATTERED ACROSS STOCKHOLM, SÖDERMALM STANDS OUT AS THE EPICENTER OF SECONDHAND FASHION. THIS VIBRANT DISTRICT IS KNOWN FOR ITS DENSE CONCENTRATION OF BOUTIQUE VINTAGE STORES AND ITS REPUTATION AS THE CITY'S SLOW FASHION HUB. WE ASKED EACH STORE’S FOUNDER FOUR QUESTIONS TO GAIN INSIGHT INTO THEIR JOURNEY IN THE VINTAGE WORLD.
words by EMILIE JONSSON
photographs by EMILIE JONSSON & COURTESY OF VINTAGE STORES
01 // ARKIVET
Address: Nybrogatan 44, 114 40, Stockholm
Founded by Caroline Hamrin in 2017
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
Caroline Hamrin: My grandmother opened a vintage store in the '80s, and I loved helping her out when I was little. In 2004, when I was 26, I took over the store and ran it for four years. Ten years later, in 2017, the timing for me and the market was perfect, so I started Arkivet. Today, we have five stores in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
What is the vision behind your store?
We focus exclusively on modern secondhand fashion and have a very clear concept. We aim to reflect women’s closets and sell items from both fast fashion brands and high-end brands. Curation and assortment mix are key pillars of our concept.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last few years?
It has changed so much. It has become normalized and accepted. When I started with secondhand in 2004, customers used to hide their branded shopping bags when leaving the store. Today, people come to our shops specifically to buy our fabric bags.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
I sold this perfect checked oil coat in earthy tones from Mulberry in 2005. I wish I had bought it myself; I would have loved to wear it this fall.
02 // JUDIT’S SECONDHAND
Address: Hornsgatan 75, 118 49 Stockholm
Founded by Judit in 1960s, now owned by Olivia Fahlander & Anna Billing
A CONVERSATION WITH THE OWNER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
Oliva Fahlander: Judits Second Hand has been a staple in the community for over thirty years, originally founded by Judit. The store changed hands once before Anna and I took over this year. Our journey with vintage fashion began at Judits, where both Anna and I worked for many years before becoming co-owners. Taking over the shop feels like a natural continuation of our shared passion for vintage.
What is the vision behind your store?
Our vision is to blend high fashion with sustainability by creating a circular movement that unites different generations through their shared love of fashion. In our store, a teenage girl might buy a garment from an 60 year old woman, and vice versa. We prioritize style over brand, welcoming everything from a tailored dress from the 1960s to a coat from Acne Studios' latest collection.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last few years?
The attitude and interest in second-hand goods have definitely changed in recent years. Previously, it was more of a niche market for 'vintage enthusiasts,' whereas now it has become a much more diverse customer base, both in terms of style and age.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
One of many favorites was a magical white feather dress by Victor Costa; we ended up regretting that we sold that one!
03 // REPLACE FASHION
Address: Hornsgatan 40, 118 21, Stockholm
Founded by Anna Andersson in 2020
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
Anna Andersson: I have focused on producing and selling new clothing before, but I came to a point where I could no longer endorse it. I want to be a part of the change we need to make within the fashion industry as well as within ourselves as consumers. When we trade garments with one another, we invite something new into our wardrobes without diminishing our passion for fashion, and we do so with a clear conscience.
What is the vision behind your store?
We believe in circular and sustainable fashion. We view it as a communal wardrobe where sharing is caring. We sell second-hand garments, accessories, and shoes, as well as some vintage pieces. (Editor’s note: While second-hand items are simply pre-owned, vintage pieces are distinct due to their age, often at least 20 to 30 years old, and are valued for their historical significance, unique style, and quality craftsmanship that set them apart from regular second-hand items.)
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last few years?
Our attitude has remained the same over the years, but we are seeing that the community who loves circularity is growing rapidly.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
One of the first truly iconic pieces we sold was a 1990s dress from Vivienne Westwood's Anglomania Collection. True to the designer's signature style, it featured a bold red tartan and was in mint condition. Since Westwood is such a fashion icon and a great inspiration to us, it felt like an honor to let that dress continue its journey, spreading joy along the way!
04 // SIV & ÅKE
Address: Sankt Paulsgatan 20, 118 48, Stockholm
Founded by Anni and Joel Jönsson in 2015
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
Anni Jönsson: I started working with vintage 14 years ago. I had just moved to Oslo, Norway, and decided to get a job to help fulfil my dream of owning a store. I stumbled upon the vintage shop "Robot" (check it out if you're in Grünerløkka) and started working there a few weeks later. My bosses were incredible and a big reason why Siv & Åke exists today. A few years later, I moved to Stockholm where my brother Joel wanted to join in, and later, his girlfriend Ida became a part of the team as well.
What is the vision behind your store?
We want to present the clothes in an appealing way that offers inspiration and doesn't necessarily scream "vintage". For vintage and secondhand to grow, we need to engage the group that feels a bit uneasy about buying used clothes. We believe this can be achieved by giving the impression and feel that the store sells newly produced garments. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on quality and materials. Overall, the clothes lean towards classic cuts, quite "Scandinavian," but are mixed with exciting wow-pieces that are hard to miss.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last few years?
I experience a big difference. When I first started working with vintage, I had to defend the business multiple times a day. There was a very skeptical attitude towards selling vintage at the same price point as large fast-fashion chains. I often addressed this by flipping the argument: "It is certainly concerning that chains selling new clothes can have the same price range as vintage stores!" This usually made most people think twice. Nowadays, I rarely find people questioning the business; it feels like awareness has exploded.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
There are so many! One almost untouched pink Chanel set, a jacket and skirt. As a loyal Sex and the City fan, I imagined "Bunny" saying, "Don't hustle me out, young lady – this is Chanel." Haha! Of course, it was a super cool girl who bought it. We also had an old leather jacket from the 1960s with perfect lines and incredible leather. In the inner pocket was an American letter with an arrest warrant. I love finding things that hint at who owned them before — it makes them feel very alive!
05 // GREEN LITTLE HEART
Address: Swedenborgsgatan 2, 118 48 Stockholm
Founded by Therese Lundquist
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
Therese Lundquist: I spent too many years in toxic retail and really wanted to provide something different. Today, Green Little Heart has a large and curated collection of slow fashion, with vintage being a big part of that. We aim to enable a more conscious lifestyle by providing access to trusted brands and responsibly made products.
What is the vision behind your store?
We have both an online platform and a physical space. Our vision is to become a greener, cleaner, and kinder version of Amazon and to open several stores like the one we have in Mariatorget, Stockholm, in strategic locations such as Berlin, Copenhagen, London, and New York. We also aim to be unique by offering carefully curated racks with personality that tell a story. For example, today my daughter, who is a model, creates racks with unique pieces from fashion shoots.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last few years?
Yes, definitely — it is suddenly the fastest-growing segment within the fashion industry, and it's becoming mainstream, not just a niche interest. This is a positive development, but we still need to remain conscious of promoting high-quality fabrics and addressing issues of overproduction and overconsumption.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
It was a quality piece made by the famous fashion designer Lars Wallin — a gorgeous golden dress.
Further Reading
