From T-Shirts to Vintage Finds: The Story of Jinxed in Philadelphia
The Beginning of Jinxed
Jinxed was founded in the 1990s in Philadelphia as an art-based t-shirt brand. It gained recognition through tattoo conventions and retail stores across the U.S. By the summer of 2004, the company decided to open its own retail store in Philadelphia. This was just the beginning of an expansion that now includes five locations across the city. While the brand initially focused on t-shirts, it soon became known for offering vintage furniture and home decor at affordable prices, all while supporting local artists and small businesses.
A Diverse Selection
One of the things that sets Jinxed apart from other stores is its commitment to variety. The store doesn’t specialize in any one category but offers a broad range of products, from clothing and artwork to vintage furniture and housewares. This variety is a result of the store’s unique approach to curating its inventory. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas on what to sell, ensuring that the store’s selection reflects a mix of tastes and preferences.
While Jinxed began as a t-shirt and art store, the addition of vintage furniture came about unexpectedly. The first piece that really made an impact was a 1950s-style chrome kitchen set. Bought locally, this item helped launch the store’s vintage furniture collection, which quickly expanded from a few pieces to a full inventory of one-of-a-kind items. Customers responded enthusiastically, and the store’s move into vintage furniture was solidified.
Unexpected Treasures
Jinxed has also gained a reputation for selling truly unique and oddball items. Among the most memorable was a coffin with a window for a face, discovered at a local funeral home. Despite its eerie nature, the item was sold quickly at a low price. Another standout was a 15-foot unicorn that eventually found a home in a Chinatown salon. These unusual finds, along with many others, have helped Jinxed become a go-to destination for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary.
Mike’s passion for vintage goods comes from his upbringing, where secondhand items were often of better quality and more durable than new ones. This perspective has shaped Jinxed’s philosophy of selling items built to last, contrasting with the disposable nature of modern mass-produced furniture. Mike believes that while stores like Ikea offer affordable options, vintage pieces like those at Jinxed are investments that will hold up much longer.
Looking Ahead
Over the years, Mike has learned that a strong and creative staff is essential for business success. Early on, he realized that growth wouldn’t happen unless he had a team who was as passionate about the store as he was. While Mike enjoys curating the store’s selection and interacting with customers, he admits that the behind-the-scenes work, like managing finances and taxes, is a constant challenge for small business owners.
Looking to the future, Jinxed plans to expand its online presence while staying committed to its brick-and-mortar roots. Mike sees the growing demand for vintage items and expects prices to rise as unique pieces become harder to find. Despite this, Jinxed will continue to focus on curating a selection that reflects the city’s eclectic vibe while remaining affordable and accessible for the community.
Matthew Christopher PA Philadelphia Mar 20, 2025 Places to Visit Retail Stores Retro/Nostalgia
Mar 20, 2025
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