Downtown Arlington becomes hub for vintage shopping

Hear from 4 businesses leading the way:

Downtown Arlington is rapidly becoming a hub for all things vintage. With a growing appreciation for nostalgia, sustainability and one-of-a-kind fashion, the area has become a go-to destination for vintage lovers and new businesses. Whether you're hunting for classic denim, rare collectibles or retro home decor, four shops are leading the charge in this vintage revival.  

Today, we are talking to the owners of Deep Dive Vintage, The Cultures Commodities, Wondrous Works Gift Shop and Stash VHS. Each business brings their own unique style and curated finds, making Downtown Arlington a must-visit for anyone looking to add a little history to their wardrobe or home. 

The Cultures Commodities 

Owned by Ashley and Brandon Avaroa, The Cultures Commodities was the first sneaker and vintage store in Downtown Arlington when it opened on December 17, 2022. Ashley, a 2021 UTA graduate, saw an opportunity to bring a refreshing business to the area, catering to students and her deep roots in the community. 

"We think that Commodities carved the interest of other vintage businesses wanting to locate to this area," Ashley said. "We bridged the gap between an antiquated Downtown and a refreshing youth need when it came to fashion and footwear." 

Their shop offers more than just clothes and sneakers—it provides a curated shopping experience. 

Ashley’s favorite items are art tees with intricate architectural designs and bold colors, while Brandon is drawn to loud prints and vintage streetwear, especially reversible jackets and Supreme collaborations that have shaped today’s fashion. 

The shop has strong ties to UTA, supporting athletes in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, hosting pop-ups on campus and working with student organizations. They hope to continue being a staple in Downtown Arlington, welcoming more businesses to diversify the retail landscape. 

STASH VHS

STASH VHS opened its doors on Nov. 9, 2024, bringing a nostalgic twist to Downtown Arlington. The shop specializes in vintage VHS tapes, clothing and retro collectibles. 

"STASH VHS is not just about the shopping experience but more about the connections and relationships you build each time you visit," CEO Angel Espinoza said. "We like to engage with our customers, making them feel welcomed so they just want to come back and kick it." 

The store loves curating and hand-selecting the best vintage pieces, aiming to bring top-quality finds to every drop. Espinoza appreciates 90% of the items in the store, but the real magic lies in the stories behind each piece. 

Stash VHS welcomes everyone and hopes to continue growing with the Downtown Arlington community, offering a space where people can shop, reminisce and connect. 

Deep Dive Vintage

Deep Dive Vintage, owned by Lauren Ballentine, opened in Downtown Arlington in early January 2025 after nearly four years in Hurst. Specializing in youthful, trend-based vintage clothing from all decades, the store is fully gender and size-inclusive, setting it apart from other niche vintage curations. 

"We are excited to watch the community grow, and create new relationships downtown, though we haven’t quite been here long enough just yet! Still settling in," Ballentine said. 

Her favorite items in the store? The true 1950s gowns that showcase timeless elegance. 

Deep Dive Vintage emphasizes the sustainability and affordability of vintage clothing, encouraging shoppers to find unique and high-quality pieces that already exist. 

Wondrous Works Gift Shop 

Wondrous Works Gift Shop, owned by Sherrie Phillips, has been a staple in Downtown Arlington since August 2015. With deep family roots in the area—Phillips’ family businesses, Phillips Furniture and Wondrous Works in Wood, have long been a presence—she saw the perfect opportunity to open her dream gift shop. 

The shop carries a mix of vintage, handmade and new items, along with true antiques over 100 years old. A collection of handmade wooden mugs from Wondrous Works in Wood is also available. Phillips prioritizes community involvement, partnering with businesses and non-profits and supporting UTA students through employment and collaborations. 

"I have always loved being a part of downtown Arlington and seeing the growth in the neighborhood is an absolute delight," Phillips shared. "Being directly across the street from the new Rotary Dream Park is really special too!" 

Her favorite shop items include Oaxacan alebrijes, classic blue-and-white ceramics, and a stunning mid-century modern green serving piece. She hopes that Downtown Arlington continues to develop as a vintage shopping hub, drawing more antique and vintage retailers to the area. 

These four shops are just the beginning of Downtown Arlington’s vintage revival. Pop-up vintage markets are hitting downtown as the monthly Binion’s Rhythm & Relics Flea Market soft launched Feb. 8. 

As more collectors and entrepreneurs recognize the demand for sustainable, history-rich fashion and collectibles, the district is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for treasure hunters. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, a nostalgic movie night experience or a gift with a story, these shops are bringing the past into the present... one vintage find at a time.