Thrifting and Thriving: Sustainable Shopping in Manayunk

Discover the hidden treasures of Manayunk’s local vintage shopping scene
By Janine Gasarowski
Photography by Justin Mayer, Veracity Studios

Main Street Manayunk is home to small businesses that are passionate about what they sell and the community they’re part of. Some have been here for many years, while others are excited to have recently joined the neighborhood!

In the retail world, there’s been a noticeable rise in secondhand shopping, as more shoppers shift toward sustainability, mindful consumption, and the thrill of finding one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Several Manayunk retailers share this mission of making high-quality, stylish pieces more accessible to all.

Here is a look at a few local shops leading the way in vintage, consignment, and sustainable shopping options here in 19127:

KINGSWOOD COLLECTION
The newest thrift store on Main Street is Kingswood Collection, founded by Ross Kleinmann. Ross first opened the doors to his Manayunk brick-and-mortar location in the fall of 2024, but he is already expanding into a larger space just down the street, opening in Fall 2025.

Ross is all about the thrift scene, not only because of his passion for environmentally friendly options, but also for the excitement of finding cool vintage items.

“I started going to thrift shops before the whole thrift and vintage wave really hit,” said Ross. For Ross, sustainable shopping is something he’s always been passionate about. He turned his passion into a business to bring vintage clothing options to others.

His story didn’t begin in Manayunk. For nearly seven years, Ross ran his business online, becoming one of the largest thrift stores on an online resale platform. He worked out of a sprawling old warehouse in Pennsylvania, where he stored his inventory and hosted massive thrift events, drawing crowds to sift through nearly 10,000 pieces of clothing at a time. Having lived locally, his eyes were on Manayunk as the perfect place to open a retail location. Ross wanted to bring his unique items to the neighborhood.

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the city,” said Ross, “There’s something special about Manayunk.. And in terms of retail, it’s perfect!”

Ross believes you don’t have to buy something every time you stop in; customers can have a good experience just by walking in and seeing something they’ve never seen before.

“That is essentially what people look for in Manayunk,” said Ross. “They want to go into a cool restaurant, get some cool drinks, and then go into some cool stores. Even if they don’t buy anything, they’ll remember the store, and that’s very unique.”

Kingswood Collection’s specialty is practical items. Ross has curated a collection of wearable items for all genders, pieces that people can wear every day.

“Philly sports and Ralph Lauren are my two favorite vintage niches,” said Ross.

You can find everything from vintage Eagles crewnecks and hats from Philadelphia colleges to merchandise from Kingswood’s own line, and more. Ross even does embroidery himself on some of the items, adding a personal flair to his collection!

JINXED VARIETY STORE
In May of 2023, Jinxed Variety Store opened its doors at its newest location, bringing an eclectic curation of vintage home goods and more to the Manayunk community.

“We carry pretty much everything you put in your home,” said Mike, sole proprietor of Jinxed. “We carry art, down to tabletop stuff…down to the table!”

Jinxed is well known for its unique collection of houseware items, but the store’s roots go way back. Jinxed began in the early 2000s as a retail outlet for a T-shirt line, and over the years, it has evolved into one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable vintage shops. Mike is passionate about high-quality and timeless design, and he eventually branched out his tshirt business to focus on vintage home goods, furniture, and decor. He’s equally committed to sustainability inside and outside of the shop. Each item in Jinxed’s stores is carefully chosen to reflect its mission: prioritizing craftsmanship, functionality, and style.

Mike sees secondhand shopping as more than just finding a unique piece. “Personally and as a business owner, it’s the same reason,” he explained. “Newer stuff, for the most part, is not the same quality. There’s so much already in existence, and the older stuff is still around because it was made better, and usually looks better, too!”

Before expanding into Manayunk, Jinxed’s original stores had become well-known staples in other parts of Philadelphia. But Mike had long envisioned opening a location on Main Street.
“I visited Manayunk during the holidays and saw that the shops were all curated and the streets were well-decorated,” said Mike, “It was clear that there was a unified vision for Main Street, and I pushed hard to get in here.”

At Jinxed, you never know what you’re going to find. You might walk in looking for something specific, just to browse, and still leave with something you didn’t know you needed! From wagging-tail cat clocks and hand-woven vintage rugs to beautifully restored mid-century hardwood furniture and Tiffany-style lamps, the shop is packed with treasures. They do the hard work of hunting and curating it all for you!

In addition to home goods, the Manayunk location also features a small, curated selection of vintage clothing. Mike says the clothing racks are completely styled and selected by his staff.

“I want my staff to be as diverse as possible because I want my customer base to be as diverse as possible,” said Mike. “I don’t want the collection to just reflect what I like — Everyone on staff has creative input in what comes into the store.”

REMIX ON MAIN
At 4355 Main Street, you’ll find Remix on Main, a designer consignment shop bringing high-quality, designer pieces and incredibly unique vintage clothing to Manayunk. Remix offers an impressive selection of upscale fashion items, sometimes even rare items, to locals looking for standout options to express themselves with their style.

Founder and Co-owner Ljupka Neducsin started Remix back in 2009 as a pop-up at the Manayunk Arts Festival. What began with selling just one client’s closet quickly grew by word of mouth. As more people brought their pieces to her, the business expanded rapidly, eventually leading to the opening of Remix’s brick-and-mortar boutique in November 2011.“One client asked me to help her sell a few things, and from there, more and more people came,” said Ljupka, “I haven’t closed the door since!”
Today, Ljupka estimates that she sells items from 600+ consignors, while also shopping and buying select items outright. She runs the business alongside her sister, Tanya. You’re likely to see them dressed to impress around Manayunk. It only makes sense that they run a boutique with such a beautifully curated collection!

The sisters aim to make high-end fashion more accessible through fair pricing and promote thoughtful, guilt-free fashion consumption. Lupka is passionate about creating a boutique experience that focuses on quality over quantity.

The two sisters believe that when you dress nicely, you feel good about yourself. “I’m originally from Macedonia. I grew up watching my mom dress up every day,” said Ljupka. “I traveled, I came here (to Manayunk), and I stayed.” Lupka hopes to bring European fashion to the Manayunk community.
She’s passionate not just about fashion as a creative outlet, but also as a tool for practicing sustainability.“The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global pollution,” said Ljupka, “A lot of it ends up in landfills.” She is committed to combating fast fashion, both for environmental reasons and to offer customers pieces that are made to last. “A lot of these pieces are investments,” Ljupka added. “If you’re looking to invest, I can suggest brands that hold their value.”

Step into Remix and you’ll find rare designer bags, a beautiful collection of quality shoes, dresses, jackets, and more.“Before you go to the mall or the designer stores, come shop with us. A lot of times we have the same things, at a fraction of the price,” said Ljupka.

Whether you are a shopper or looking to sell some items, walk-ins are welcome at Remix. “Choose quality over quantity. A sweater here is made better, with better materials,” said Ljupka.

URBANBURB FURNITURE
Tucked into the heart of Manayunk, UrbanBurb draws you in with its inviting storefront, but what’s inside is where the magic really happens! The shop blends high-end consignment, locally crafted custom furniture, and handpicked home décor, creating a space rich with style and character. From unique home accents to one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, every visit offers something new to explore.
What many people may not know is that UrbanBurb creates high-quality woodwork right on the premises. Beneath the retail space is a workshop where owner Joe Donahue and his team handcraft many of the shop’s wooden pieces: from coffee tables and side tables to charcuterie boards and coasters, Joe’s business brings a personal touch to every item. When it comes to the shop’s retail options, every shelf and corner is filled with carefully selected décor: from soft blankets and fragrant candles to standout pieces that mix classic charm with modern design.

With a constantly rotating selection of furniture, artwork, and accessories, there’s always something fresh to discover in the shop, while staying reliable in offering perfectly timeless additions to your home. Whether you’re hunting for a signature item to complete a room or simply browsing for inspiration, UrbanBurb is a must-stop on your next stroll down Main Street!

Redmond Gallery LLC , Prune Redmond, proprietor
Take a stroll down Lower Main Street, and it’s hard to miss the eclectic setup outside Redmond Gallery: from quirky collectibles to vintage treasures, all curated with character. And just as iconic as the storefront is the man behind it: ‘Prune’ Redmond, a longtime Manayunk local with a big personality and a deep love for the neighborhood.

“I’ve been a collector for a long time,” said Prune. “I didn’t envision opening a store.” He opened the doors to his shop on Main Street nearly 7 years ago.

Though the store has been here for less than a decade, Prune has been in Manayunk for multiple! “I’ve been in Manayunk for at least 40 years,” said Redmond. “This is my neighborhood, and I try to help my neighborhood.” You’ll often find Prune outside or sitting in his doorway, chatting with fellow ‘Manayunkers.’

Redmond Gallery is anything but ordinary; it’s full of surprises! Inside, you’ll find anything from vintage artwork, your favorite childhood board games, and old-school cameras, to arrowheads up to 500 years old, and even pennies from 1902. Prune’s philosophy is simple: if it’s cool, has history, or sparks curiosity, it belongs in the shop.

“I don’t really look for one thing,” he said. “I look for stuff I think is cool… and things I can use as props in my comedy videos.” While some may know Prune as a local business owner, others may recognize him as a comedian and social media personality.

When it comes to what sells in his shop, Prune says it’s always evolving: “The trends change all the time; the thing is, mass media still promotes a lot of stuff,” he said. “No one wanted digital cameras, and then all of a sudden everybody wanted them.”

Prune’s observations of the changing trend cycles are exactly why vintage and secondhand shopping are important and here to stay!

“I am all for repurposing if it saves something from going in the trash,” said Prune, “it’s also a lot of fun!”

It is clear there is a strong interest in items that are, well… old! “I think everybody should be themselves, and if that means wearing something from 1910 and they really like it, I think they should wear it.”

Manayunk’s thriving vintage and secondhand shopping scene is more than just a trend; it’s a movement towards sustainability, creativity, and community. From fashion to furniture, these local businesses are redefining retail by offering unique, high-quality finds that promote mindful consumption. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a curious newcomer, Main Street Manayunk invites you to shop with purpose and discover the stories behind every piece.