We had the good fortune of connecting with Robbie Prater Amy Wheeler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robbie Prater, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Kindness. This plays a factor in different parts of our business. Typically, when we are purchasing vintage clothes from a family it is because someone has passed. We like to know the story of the person who owned them and let the family know that we will be selling those clothes to someone who will also love and cherish those items and the story behind them. Believe it or not, the vintage reselling community here in DFW has become extremely competitive and with that comes some sour apples who do not show the same kindness and compassion as we do. We really try to build a community with other small businesses and provide them with tips and opportunities. We share locations of product to other resellers who buy for that niche, answer any questions open and honestly when presented, and even host events for resellers to network and sell their product. Something we have started recently is a weekly night market in Bishop Arts District called Chop Shop Night Market at The Last Stand. It is a small market on Thursday nights where we provide a space for small businesses to promote and sell their products.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We don’t just sell vintage clothing and accessories, we pass on stories and pieces of history. We often see resellers niching down something that is already a niche by focusing on one decade or product genre. What sets us apart is, we try to have something for everyone; tees, fashion, denim, hats. We cover all decades and sizes from the 1920s to early 2000s. Currently the oldest pieces we have in the store is a sheer dress that is about 100 years old. We are passionate about vintage and take pride in being a sustainable company. We know that with every piece sold, there is a chance that one less piece of fast fashion will be consumed. What started out as a side hobby on e-Bay has since turned into something that can provide me the income and time to focus on my passion. It wasn’t always easy though. Like everyone else, there are peaks and valleys to starting your own business and dealing with a pandemic didn’t help. This is what I want to do though, so it was just more fuel to overcome and keep going. I am glad I did, because 2021 has been the best year for our business and I’m excited for whats to come. This year we launched on Instagram, gained a following, launched a website, sell regularly at multiple weekly events, and introduced private shopping appointments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For lunch I would definitely recommend Dino’s Subs in Arlington, TX. For lunch or dinner, The Last Stand in Bishop Arts… hands down the best food in Dallas (we’ve been known to eat there twice in one day, or up to three times a week). For shopping I would recommend local markets where you can support small businesses. Some of our favs that happen regularly are Deep Ellum Outdoor Market (every Saturday), Chop Shop Night Market (every Thursday night), Flea Harvey’s (3rd Saturday of the month), Lola’s Rock N Roll Rummage Sale (3rd Sunday of the month). For drinks, Double Wide, Lakewood Landing and Charlie’s Star Lounge. For entertainment, Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater and The Balcony Club.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Tiffany Ortez Parish. Tiffany is the owner of Honeysuckle Rose Vintage and the brains behind Lola’s Rock N Roll Rummage Sale in Fort Worth, TX. Tiffany deserves all the shout outs because she has not only been there to mentor us in times of need for our vintage store, but she provides us a space to network, promote and sell our product to hundreds a month. Tiffany has been running a monthly flea market in Fort Worth at Lola’s Trailer Park & Saloon for years. We are so grateful that she has allowed us to be a part of this market because it draws in hundreds from all over and has been a large part of our success. If you have not checked out this market, it is typically the third Sunday of the month, every month and one of our all time favs.

Website: www.unusualretail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/unusualretail

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unusualretail

Other: Co-Owner Amy Wheeler has a Slow Fashion Blog: www.imhighandthisisfashion.com www.instagram.com/imhighandthisisfashion

Image Credits
Cayla Coomer Heather Hill

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.