The Loot is a curated vintage clothing store specializing in 90s and early 2000s fashion. The business is dedicated to making unique, high-quality, and sustainable style accessible to a new generation. We spoke with Anna Campbell, owner and operator of The Loot, to learn more about her passion for vintage fashion, the story behind her business, and how she’s redefining second-hand shopping in Halifax.
What is your business called and what does it do?
My business is called The Loot Vintage. We’re a curated vintage clothing store specializing in 90s and early 2000s pieces. We carry everything from designer handbags to nostalgic tees.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always loved fashion and the thrill of finding unique pieces for my wardrobe or to gift to friends and family. Growing up with five siblings, second-hand clothing was a constant in my childhood. As I grew older, I began to understand the impacts the textile and fashion industry have on the planet, from production and waste to the poor labour practices used by fast fashion. Simultaneously, my love for vintage clothing grew. For me, vintage clothing is about expressing individuality and resisting the exploitative nature of fast fashion. I began selling clothing online over ten years ago, and I had a lot of success (and fun). I loved sharing my passion for cool old stuff. So, I decided to open a brick-and-mortar location in 2018.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to make vintage clothing fun and accessible. I saw so much mass-produced clothing inspired by 90s and early 2000s fashion. However, the reproductions were of poor quality and not made to last. I recognized that there weren’t any shops in Halifax at the time that focused mainly on the styles that younger demographics were looking for. The Loot is about giving people pieces that feel personal and expressive, while also being high quality and sustainable.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Primarily people in their late teens to early 30s, but honestly, it’s anyone who values individuality and fashion. We get a mix of students, professionals, og vintage lovers and people just looking for something different. We sell clothing for everyone.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We source vintage pieces from everywhere. We buy clothing from our customers and wholesalers, and we dig through second-hand shops and online marketplaces to find the coolest stuff we can. We carefully curate and sell in-store. The focus is on quality, reputable brands, and uniqueness to ensure items are special rather than just “used clothes”.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located in downtown Halifax, on Barrington Street. Our civic address is 1711 Barrington St.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
People often ask how/why we source our product.
We don’t rely on random bulk or whatever’s easiest to get; we very intentionally seek out specific styles, quality, eras, brands, etc that align with what we love and what our customers actually want, and we have over a decade of experience doing it! Every piece is chosen based on quality and condition, and our goal is that it stays in your closet for just as long as it has already been in existence (over 20 years).
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is helping someone find a piece that makes them feel awesome, and sharing the joy and love for the unique pieces that hold stories, childhood memories, or have special details you can’t find in the mall or at big-box stores online.
If I had to pick a worst part of the business itself, it might be the unpredictability of sourcing. You’re constantly chasing inventory, and you never fully know what you’ll find. Additionally, working through business relationships can be difficult for small businesses with limited resources, especially in Halifax. Unfortunately, there aren’t many safeguards in place for small businesses here. Specifically, the rent at my shop has nearly tripled in the past four years, which has been particularly burdensome.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
This is a hard one. Probably jabs made about vintage sellers selling 100-year-old t-shirts that are dirty and torn for hundreds of dollars, which isn’t really us, but I understand both the desire to find this type of item and the criticisms people have.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow us on most social media platforms at @theloothfx, but we are most active on Instagram. We try to post new arrivals to the shop daily.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
We love Weird Harbour Espresso Bar. They’ve kept us fueled with the best coffee in the city for years, and their staff is incredible.
