Durham’s Vintage Treasures

Durham may not offer the widest range of high street shops, but look further and you will find a selection of delightful vintage stores. The idea of second hand clothing may be unappealing to some, but the thrill of discovering the perfect piece knowing that no one else will own the same item triumphs. Supporting vintage fashion makes a stand against our throwaway culture, and in doing so we can help to support Durham’s local businesses.

The One gives you a guide of Durham’s best vintage finds:

Vintage at No.14

Vintage at No.14 is Durham’s very own pop up boutique run by husband and wife David and Victoria. Set up in 2010, their enthusiasm for vintage clothing has made them popular with students – with a student discount being an added bonus. Every item that makes it onto the rails is individually hand picked and presented in top condition, with inspiration coming from current and future trends. Visit for a great choice of flannel and denim shirts, Icelandic knits, leather jackets and more.

The customer service is another draw, and they have been known to hand deliver items to customers who have needed them for special events or even as surprise presents. Vintage at No.14 also offers a tracking service, and will hunt down whatever it is you need to fill that space in your wardrobe.

‘We want our customers to look past the fact that we trade from the market. We want to make markets in the North East as cool and vibrant as they are in the south.’

Indoor Market – 'Curiosity Corner' Unit 71 (Monday to Saturday 9.30-4.30)
Outdoor Market (Saturday 8-4)

Scarlet Ribbons

Scarlet Ribbons is a quirky shop offering vintage and retro clothing and accessories. After always searching for particular items of clothing for themselves but never being able to find them, Jonny and Bronia opened their store in 2009. Stocking both original vintage and indie labels, all of the clothing is restored before being put out for sale, with top picks including polka dot dresses, Levi’s cut off denim shorts and cartoon sweaters. They also offer a wide range of kooky jewelry, fascinators and sunglasses.

‘We stock all eras, we love that fashion is cyclical so each decade has echoes of the past and will reinvent itself in the future.’

Turn right at the end of Framwellgate Bridge, just after the entrance to The Gates shopping centre.

Ding Dong Vintage

Step into Ding Dong Vintage and you enter a treasure trove. Crammed with beaded dresses, velvet jackets and men’s tuxedos, with even the ceiling dripping with goods, you may need to set aside a good portion of your day to fully explore this shop. Set up by Fawn in 2009, the shop’s content has been collected over 25 years by herself and her mother. An extensive collection of fur coats lines one wall, and for gift ideas, check out the war medals, watches and trinkets on show.

‘I love to see people wearing my clothing with pride and respect and most importantly looking 'Ding Dong' good in them! I am a great believer in recycling and therefore will not throw anything away; I can sew rags together and make a ball gown!’

Located next to Scarlet Ribbons, turn right at the end of Framwellgate Bridge, just after the entrance to The Gates shopping centre.