York shops compete for vintage title (From York Press)

York shops compete for vintage title

10:15am Monday 14th January 2013 in Business news

TWO York vintage boutiques are going head-to-head in pursuit of national glory.

Purple Haze, in Fossgate, and Vintage Emporium, in Fishergate, have both been shortlisted for Vintage Shop Of The Year in the Homes & Antiques Awards 2013. The two business were shortlisted for Best Vintage/Mid-century Shop at the same awards last year.

Keeley Harris, who got her first antiques book aged ten and accompanied her father to antiques fairs as a teenager, gave up her office career two- and-a-half years ago and opened Vintage Emporium. It was highly-commended at last year’s awards.

She said: “This is a passion for me and I have fun going to buy all the vintage things. It’s great recognition that everybody else likes the shop too.”

Keeley said her shop, which sells pottery, furniture and wall hangings as well as clothes, attracts people from afar. Laura Cowlbeck, who set up Purple Haze four years ago when she was only 18, has grown the business into new larger premises in the last year and doubled turnover.

She has exploited a gap in the market for men’s vintage countrywear, as well as serving the needs of young fashionistas and serious collectors.

Laura said: “It has raised awareness of us and people have come from other areas after seeing us in the magazine.”

Catherine Smith Vintage Fashion, based in Harrogate, is also shortlisted for the award.