The Thought Lot, located in downtown Shippensburg, is known by many students and locals for showcasing fresh, local talent, and hosting a variety of other artistically hip and cultural events. Its diverse tenants, Denim Coffee and Ink and Ashes Tattoo and Art Studio, will expand yet again with the addition of a vintage store, Whiskers Vintage and Vinyl, in December.

The Thought Lot event coordinator and ambitious Shippensburg local, Hannah Nawa, is the sole founder of Whiskers Vintage and Vinyl. While Nawa’s visible retro vibe already speaks for itself, she explained that she has always loved and worn vintage clothing since she was a child. This passion has recently sparked her interest in opening a vintage store.

“When I was a toddler, my head was so big that my parents would buy hats from the ’30s and ’40s and dress me up in them,” Nawa said.

“I spent a lot of time growing up at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania,” Nawa continued.

“They have World War II Weekend, one of the largest World War II reenactments in the country, every year. I always loved looking at all of the re-enactors.”

The store will sell both authentic and vintage reproduction items, as well as men’s and women’s secondhand high-end clothing. Aside from clothing, the store will also carry new and used records and other local, handmade items. Nawa explained that most of Whiskers Vintage and Vinyl’s inventory is obtained through auctions and private sellers located in the United States.

While Whiskers Vintage and Vinyl is anticipating a wide variety of vintage-loving buyers, its primary audience is young men and women who value quality and unique fashions.

“Everything in the store is handpicked and we will be carrying an array of both standard and plus sized clothing,” Nawa said.

In the months to come, Nawa hopes to extend her audience outside of Shippensburg and increase sales by creating an online store as well.

Nawa is excited that her store will debut in The Thought Lot since she has personally put a lot of work into the development of the art center.

“The Thought Lot has a great built-in fan base that will appreciate unique clothing and good music,” Nawa said. “We view fashion as an art form and think that there’s hardly a better location for this store than a music venue and art gallery.”

Whiskers Vintage and Vinyl’s grand opening will be held Saturday Dec. 3 from noon to 6 p.m. During the grand opening there will be discounts and special sales, as well as a raffle with a variety of prizes. 

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