New shop on Main offers vintage goods
The brothers-in-law who own Branded in Butler, a new business on North Main Street, intentionally eschewed a strip plaza or mall for its location.
Lance Calvert, who co-owns the business with Brendan OBrien, said while middle-aged and older consumers flocked to malls during their prime, younger people are returning to cityscapes.
“Honestly, I see a shift in economics, where Main Streets are becoming the shopping destinations again,” Calvert said. “There has been a generational shift from baby boomers to millennials who want to walk, shop and work where they live.”
He said the Lawrenceville neighborhood in Pittsburgh is a good example of the type of place young people are seeking out.
“They don't need a vehicle,” Calvert said. “They can live in Lawrenceville and do all their shopping right there.”
Calvert, who also owns Brushes and Barstools on Main Street with his wife, wants to see Butler's downtown thrive once again.
“We are trying to revitalize the downtown in our own way,” he said.
Branded in Butler will offer vintage clothing, described by Calvert as vintage 1980s and 1990s street clothing as well as everyday brands and designer handbags and shoes.
“The locals are glad to see another place to buy clothing,” Calvert said.
He said his vintage clothing shop, where all items are secondhand, is rare in the area.
“The closest one is in Pittsburgh,” Calvert said. “Ours is a destination business because there are not a lot of these shops around.”
He said his stock comes from around the world, but he and OBrien also buy quality vintage pieces from locals.
“We've been pretty surprised about the foot traffic we get,” Calvert said. “We've been able to keep the store pretty full from just people walking in.”
The store, which Calvert said was originally the Taper's jewelry store in the early 1950s, is located at 102 N. Main St.
