A group of five local independent retailers in Washington, D.C. has joined forces to open a new secondhand boutique named Golden Hour Collective. The grand opening is set for February 7, 2024, in the former location of the well-known secondhand shop Meeps Vintage. This collaboration offers a rare opportunity for vintage resellers who usually operate at pop-up events across the city, often facing challenging conditions.
The co-owners of Golden Hour Collective include Asena Leyla Johnson, Sharon Jordan, Cesca Thorne, Ashasha Sumbatyan, and Emilie Razuri. They pooled their resources to secure the space in Adams Morgan, a neighborhood celebrated for its vibrant vintage culture. Each retailer contributes their own inventory to the boutique while maintaining full control of their sales. This unique business model allows them to share monthly rent and other operational costs, creating a supportive environment for each member.
Upon entering Golden Hour Collective, visitors are welcomed with warm cups of tea, a gesture from Sumbatyan’s brand, Tea Life. This addition aims to create a cozy atmosphere for shoppers. “Instead of coming in and feeling dehydrated or cold, you can have something that’s gonna nourish you,” Sumbatyan explained. The team believes that this personal touch enhances the shopping experience, distinguishing their boutique from others.
Golden Hour Collective’s philosophy centers on community and collaboration. The owners originally met through D.C.’s pop-up shopping scene and now seek to share their space with other local vendors. Ahead of the grand opening, they have showcased various indie businesses, allowing them to gain exposure and experiment with in-store selling.
The team acknowledges the legacy of Cathy Chung, the late owner of Meeps Vintage, who passed away in the summer of 2023. “Everyone in the neighborhood knows her name, so I feel like that’s been a huge help to us,” Johnson noted, emphasizing the significance of continuing Chung’s vision. The boutique retains much of the original charm of Meeps, with only light decorating changes made by the new owners.
Inclusivity is also a priority for the collective. While the majority of their offerings focus on women’s apparel, they have sections dedicated to men’s clothing, an extensive plus-size range, and a selection of children’s items. The co-owners are committed to keeping resale prices affordable, making vintage shopping accessible. “There are other vintage stores in D.C., but the price points of those stores are definitely different than what we are doing here,” Thorne stated.
The co-owners’ backgrounds inform their curation process. All three—Jordan, Johnson, and Razuri—possess experience in international development, leading them to prioritize sustainable sourcing. “We don’t sell fast fashion,” Jordan emphasized. Their selection often includes unique finds from thrift stores, aligning with their commitment to environmental responsibility.
With a diverse age range represented among the owners, spanning from Gen Z to Gen X, Golden Hour Collective is poised to cater to a wide array of customers. Their intergenerational friendship not only enriches their business model but also enhances their marketing approach. Johnson remarked, “It’s nice because Cesca and Emily are popping out TikToks that bring people in, and then Sharon is in the background setting up our tax ID.”
As Golden Hour Collective prepares for its opening, the co-owners are excited about the potential to foster a welcoming space for vintage enthusiasts and new shoppers alike. Their collaborative approach reflects a growing movement in the retail landscape that emphasizes community, sustainability, and individuality in an increasingly commercialized world.
