“Vintage Indie” Hot Spot – Poppy & Ivy Portland, OR

Welcome to another Vintage Hot Spot feature. Today I’m excited to bring you a Vintage Hot Spot interview and tour of Poppy & Ivy in Portland, OR.

Shopping for vintage and living off what’s already been created is another wonderful way to "live green". At Poppy & Ivy you are sure to find something adored and waiting to be loved once again in your home.

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

When did you open?
I opened in December 2006. It was an old building that was practically falling
down around my ears…but it was mine and the rent was AMAZING. Now….Mama
works hard for the money. Rent is
more than double in the new place…but it just makes the adventure even more
exciting!

What kind of store is Poppy & Ivy?
About 50% vintage finds, 25% local artist with vintage flair and newer items
(candy cigarettes, ribbons, paper & crafting goods) that are just old
school. This store is a little mix of this and that. Ephemera, juice glasses, candles,
art made from vintage materials, collage work, reproduction children’s
books, dresses and clip-on earrings that just may have been in YOUR auntie’s
dressing table drawer.

What is your shop address? 1315 NE
Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97212
(Photos – Kitchen: LOVE my vintage kitchen stuff! If it’s red,
blue AND old….I am sold.)

What are your hours? Wed-Sat
11:00-6:00, Sun 12-4

(Photo – Beach vignette: a mix of old bottles, a cake plate, new
candles and reproduction cast iron pieces)

Do you hold any special events at your
store? We offer monthly classes on embroidery, beading & card making.
The 2^nd Friday of every month our block holds an art walk and our
store does a sidewalk sale event and a featured local artist.

Is shopping indie and small businesses
important to you? If so, why? It is so important. I worked at a local craft
store for 8 years and watched big box stores take over. Our sales definitely
dropped. I fear that we soon be living in a world of WalMarts
if we don’t start thinking locally and supporting small businesses. I
KNOW that sometimes I could get a better price at a box store, but I enjoy
talking to the small business owner, getting assistance and having products
explained to me. I choose to save money in other ways to allow myself  to continue buying local. (Photo – Modern Vintage”: this is a local crafter who
uses 90% vintage beads. She lived in Boston and would travel to the vintage bead
show in NYC with a couple hundred bucks and an empty backseat. She has an
incredible eye).

A special thanks to Amy Hollands for sharing her delightful store with us. Please visit the Poppy & Ivy blog to keep track of what’s going on in the store!