From festival chic to everyday unique – step into Again Garments

What’s the story behind Again Garments – was there a single moment or idea that made you go, “Yep, I need to open a vintage shop”?
We have been established on the outdoor market on Gloucester Green for some years now and though  we still trade there on a Thursday – Saturday we thought it would be a good idea to join the covered market community of independent traders where we could sell some of our more unique items and offer a curated collection of vintage pieces.

Running a business is no small thing – what keeps you coming back every day with energy and love for what you do?
Running a small business is no mean feat in these current times and I applaud anyone who does. On paper you wouldn’t do it the chips are stacked against you but I love clothes, how people dress to express and the styles and trends that culture manifests. I find it fascinating. With this in mind it wasn’t hard to decide that this way of life was one i could enjoy.

The Covered Market has such a unique energy – what drew you to set up shop here, and how does the space influence the vibe of Again Garments?

This is our first year in the covered market and we are just getting into the rhythm of the place. Physical retail  isn’t a consistent daily thing anymore people shop online a lot more. But the Covered Market offers a destination to meet up with friends or to acquire mementos of their time in Oxford. The traders here really work hard to search out great unique products for people to cherish and enjoy. We hope we do that too.

It’s peak festival season – do you find festival fashion inspires your rails this time of year? Any favourite looks or pieces that scream “festival chic” right now?

Yes when it comes to summer Festivals are a big part of that for a lot of people. We can offer the chic stylish additions for dancing and relaxing but also for dealing with the elements and the British summertime weather.  Whether it a retro football shirt a vintage band or rap tee, a Berghaus or Barbour jacket or something sparkly and fun for the main event. We source all year round for those unique items we bring to store that hopefully the customers are happy with.

Do you ever spot a piece and instantly know it’s someone’s dream outfit waiting to happen? What makes a good find fly off the rails in summer?

As a clothes seller there is no better feeling than seeing a customer elevate a garment to that next level and I have had many instances when an item of clothing transforms the wearer, you only have to check out instagram to see the many happy customers that have had this experience.

We are here to provide the ‘armour for life’ as Bill Cunningham the great street photographer once said, and we keep it democratically priced so everyone can look and feel good. The feedback we get from the majority of people we sell to only reinforces that what we are doing is a positive endeavour.