By Miller Rawn

December 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m.

Once a staple of the vibrance of American youth culture, supermalls have lost the glamour they were renowned for in their heyday. In its place, vintage shopping seems to be gaining more popularity. Thrifting culture and second-hand salvaging are in, but how should someone start if they’re out of the loop? Where better to hear about the scene than the actors themselves? I went across town from place to place to see where does what best, trying to make an outfit along the way, and this is what I gathered.

Recollect, an unassuming store squeezed in a strip mall, houses incredible finds. Located at 1607 N College Ave, it has faced troubles drawing customers due to construction. An employee commented that, “We’ve seen a pretty significant drop in business just while the construction‘s been going on... People are avoiding the stretch of College, and there’s not much you can do about that, but we’re hopeful that as that moves further down, it’ll start to ease up.” Considering the hurdle, the atmosphere at Recollect was remarkably alive. I was immediately drawn to the section full of vintage jackets: old leathermans, workwear denim, and puffy windbreakers. Recollect also has plenty of old jerseys and basketball hats, making it the perfect destination for sportswear. To the left of the jackets is a size-diverse collection of jeans. You can expect to find pants in good condition within the $20-$30 range. Recollect intrigued me from the get-go, but I was blown away by the massive rack of t-shirts. The quantity and variety of graphic tees for sale was dizzying, with an 80s-centered style that dripped through every item. I bought an old, slim-fitting white graphic t-shirt with a black and red design for $20. Recollect is the go-to for anyone looking to find casual t-shirts in my book, especially if you’re looking for something nicer than Goodwill or Potter’s House but want to avoid paying full prices.

Just a 5-minute drive away from Recollect, on 10 E Township, one of my favorite shops in Fayetteville can be found: In Retrospect. In Retrospect doesn’t limit itself to clothes, with many home goods and themed antiques on sale. Because of the glassware, china, and knick-knacks in each of the store’s themed sections, it’s a fun place to do both buying and window shopping. This variety includes a large collection of jewelry. Undoubtedly, the best part of the store was the authentic leather items, with vintage cowboy boots, which make In Retrospect a good place for western gems. One of my favorite things about In Retrospect is the record collection at the back of the store. Despite the cramped space, there are enough albums to get lost in, and there are plenty of hidden gems. Since all of them were secondhand, it was easy to find original pressings and cheaper copies. I had been looking for a pressing of George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh, which I was excited to find in their collection and purchase. From In Retrospect, I got a pair of old leather boots, a saddlebag, and a necklace.

Aunt Bill’s, the last store I went to, is a Fayetteville thrifting staple. Aunt Bill’s is more similar to In Retrospect than Recollect, as it has a western focus, except it puts more emphasis on vintage workwear than antiques. The store still has plenty of antiques to keep your eyes peeled for. Just like In Retrospect, glassware trinkets are all throughout Aunt Bill’s, and the jewelry is unique. Just like Recollect, Aunt Bill’s also has lots of T-shirts with a wide range of colors. Mixing both casual dress and workwear makes up the special vibe of the store. While I passed up the Carhartt jackets I saw, I ended up taking a look at their jeans. Aunt Bill’s was packed with old Levi jeans, which I picked up a pair of to complete my outfit. If you’re looking for old Levi's, Aunt Bill’s is one of the best places to look in Fayetteville.

Fayetteville has lots of places around town to find second-hand clothing, including those not mentioned. Funky Fresh Vintage, Potter’s House, Plato’s Closet, and Fayetteville’s funky yard sale are all good spots with plenty of their own treasures to find. Wherever you end up, may good clothing come your way!