Vintage vibes
Summerside store gearing up for second season at Spinnakers’ after moving downtown for the winter
With the door open, the bright red walls of Vintage invite shoppers inside.
Displays of Betty Boop and Mickey Mouse fill one corner, while retro Archie comics rest in a little nook. Across the room, vintage Barbie Dolls and Ty Beanie Babies fill shelves.
One wall is filled with old cigarette posters and ad campaigns including Lucky Strike’s iconic “It’s Toasted” slogan.
Josina Frizzell, the owner of the store, has always loved shopping.
“There’s no question I’m a shopaholic.”
When she was 17, she started working in retail, learning how to order stock, pay employees, make a profit and balance the books.
Now 30, Frizzell is using her experience to run her own store, located in downtown Summerside on Water Street.
“I’ve always had an appreciation for old things, so when I started planning out my store, I wanted to have the older, retro items but also more modern items and locally sourced items.
“I started small, ordering a few things at a time to have in store and then worked into a larger concept.”
The eclectic store also features a few clothing items, wallets, purses and other accessories.
Last summer she spent her first season at Spinnakers’ Landing, a popular tourist attraction of little shops located along the Summerside Boardwalk.
“I learned a lot about how to run a store and it helped me decide that I wanted to run my store year-round.
“I was really lucky to work for two entrepreneurs from a young age. They showed me the ropes and provided me with the know-how to open my own business.”
But it wasn’t without its difficulties. There was one day that made Frizzell ask herself why she even bothered with the business.
Around $300 in merchandise was stolen, including a genuine Michael Kors wallet.
“That was a hard day. It really hurt me personally and my business. And it made me want to give up.”
Instead, Frizzell used her positive experiences with customers as inspiration to continue.
“I kept reminding myself of the little kids and other customers that would come into my store and say ‘really neat store’ or ‘you’ve got really cool stuff and a great store’.”
In her store, Frizzell sells vintage comics, toys, antiques and items handcrafted by Islanders.
“I really want to be able to help people find that one item they’ve been looking for.”
One time, a mother came into the store looking for a necklace for her daughter’s birthday.
“She had been all over Summerside looking for a necklace that had a dog on it. So I asked for a photo of the dog and then sent it along to one of the locals who create key chains, pens and necklaces from clay.
“I asked if she would be able to make one, and she did.”
A little while later Frizzell was able to provide the mother with the perfect gift.
“It’s moments like that, that make it worth it.”
Frizzell is preparing to open her second season at Spinnakers’ Landing while keeping her Water Street location open.
“The reception to the business has been really welcoming. And to have that response means so much. It is so special when I have customers come in because they heard of the store through someone else.
“They’ve helped make my childhood dream come true.”
“I really want to be able to help people find that one item they’ve been looking for.” Josina Frizzell, owner and operator of Vintage.