Uncover Vintage, located in Lakewood, Ohio, offers many treasures in its fashion department. Since opening in 2020, the store has spent six years catching attention with vibrant posters and colors. The store has a signature sports theme, but also provides a wide range of unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

Owner Max Quinn opened the shop out of his love of thrift shopping and of expressing his love of fashion, finding many different styles of clothes, whether in color or style. Something that was just a hobby for Max became a way to start a business for himself, selling the things he loves to do and having a community to shop his finds.

“I would find a lot of cool stuff that was either [what] I like or stuff that wasn’t my style… but I know it had some sort of value, I started reselling a little, and then one thing kind of led to another,” Quinn said.

The store’s aesthetic and curated selection set it apart from typical thrift outlets. PawSay Htoo, a college student and fashion enthusiast, said the variety of clothing immediately caught her attention.

“The store was different from other thrift stores you would see. There were different styles and many types of clothing caught my eye,” Htoo said.

Quinn makes everyone feel welcome with his friendly demeanor when you enter the store. Not only does he care for his business, but he also helps other small businesses around the Cleveland area. Allison Gray, who has worked at Uncover Vintage for two years, noted that Quinn’s influence extends well beyond his own storefront.

“Max is the host of the Cleveland vintage market, which is a great showcase for other small businesses,” Gray said.

The Cleveland Vintage Market features more than 20 vendors showcasing their small businesses to the community. Quinn sources his own inventory through a similar community-focused approach.

“But a lot of stuff we buy [comes] from the public, or we buy from like other collectors or other resellers,” Quinn said.

The store’s location is also a major draw. Htoo noted that Lakewood’s walkability makes it easy for shoppers to discover hidden gems like Uncover Vintage. She has visited multiple times and frequently recommends the shop to friends and family who like vintage clothes.

“Yeah, I’ve bought plenty of things from here. I would definitely recommend people to come here if they need something in Cleveland or if they just want a unique piece,” Htoo said.

With plenty of options like jerseys, collegiate apparel and streetwear, Uncover Vintage has brought to many people’s attention the variety of vintage items they offer to customers and newcomers. This diverse selection has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, drawing in both regulars and newcomers.

While there are other vintage shops in the area, Gray believes the specific care Quinn puts into his inventory is what keeps the business thriving.

“I would say the curation is definitely unique. There’s other vintage stores around here, but not all of them have like the dedicated curation that Max provides, and a lot of people keep coming back just for that,” Gray said.

As Quinn explains it, the name of the store is its mission statement.

“When you come into our store, you uncover new brands, new styles, new fashion, and new types of items,” Quinn said.

Lakewood has many small businesses, and finding a unique one or something you like is always a great find.