Vintage and thrift shops owned by Black individuals are playing a crucial role in preserving fashion and culture.

According to a report by UATL, Black-owned vintage thrift shop owners in Atlanta are taking advantage of the thriving secondhand clothing market to not only grow their businesses, but also preserve elements of Black culture and the city's fashion legacy. Business owners behind Nello Vintage, Vintageland ATL, and Everythang Dope are using vintage clothing to connect with a new generation of consumers, introducing them to styles and cultural moments from previous decades. With the rise of resale in consumer spending, the global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach an impressive $393 billion by 2030.

This growth is expected to outpace the overall apparel market, as highlighted in ThredUp's 2026 Resale Report. In fact, the report found that the U.S. secondhand market grew almost four times faster than the broader retail clothing market in 2025.

For Chanelle Harris, owner of Nello Vintage, her journey as an entrepreneur began with her passion for thrifting. After completing her master's degree in London, the Wisconsin native moved to Atlanta with her mother in 2019 and started sharing her thrifted finds on Instagram. This eventually led to the launch of her own website and, in 2024, the opening of Nello Vintage.

Speaking to UATL, Harris explained that she believes trends and vintage cannot coexist because people may feel pressured to follow what's currently popular and overlook pieces that don't fit into a specific style. That's why she focuses on promoting individual style over fashion and encourages customers to find pieces that truly speak to them. Tabitha Lee, owner of Vintageland ATL, has also built her business around clothing with a rich history.

Her shop specializes in pieces from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, with many items sourced from estate sales and Facebook Marketplace. Not only do these vintage shops offer a unique shopping experience, but they also play a role in preserving Atlanta's cultural heritage. Customers can find everything from 1996 Olympics shirts and Freaknik memorabilia to pieces associated with iconic brands like FUBU and COOGI.

For Nikki Harris, owner of Everythang Dope located in Ponce City Market, preserving Black culture is the driving force behind her business. Inspired by 1980s and '90s hip-hop, TV, and streetwear, Harris believes that her shop doesn't just sell clothes, but also provides an experience. Each piece has a personal story behind it, and she strives to share that story with her customers.

As the secondhand market continues to grow, these Black vintage entrepreneurs in Atlanta are not only showing the potential for a successful business, but also the importance of preserving Black cultural history through fashion. While some may question the rising prices of thrift stores, these owners are proving that the value lies in the stories and memories attached to each piece.