Exciting times are on the horizon for Sheffield’s original vintage store, which has recently seen trusted retailer Louisa Froggatt take over the reins at the popular Carver Street establishment…
Freshmans is something of an institution when it comes to the Steel City fashion scene, selling the latest vintage trends for over two decades and paving the way for unique, thrifty dressing styles since its origins above the Forum in the mid-90s.
“There’s plenty of history with Freshmans,” new owner Louisa Froggatt tells Exposed. “We’ve seen three generations of shoppers coming here since first opening, and we’re now looking to take it into the next decade.”
Louisa started working with previous owner, local “vintage king” Paul Lincoln, as manager at the shop’s original premises on Division Street. Inspired by the original US thrift shops and oddity emporiums in London, it didn’t take long to pick up a reputable name for its rare, well-priced stock of vintage clothing.
The store eventually moved to larger premises on Carver Street, where it has stayed for around 15 years. Louisa went to work as a high-end fashion buyer in Leeds, later in Manchester, and after having children returned to Sheffield and launched her own retro fashion brand, She Cried Wolf, while returning to Freshmans.
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“Paul and I had been talking for a while about me eventually taking over, and I know there are big boots to fill in a sense because he’s a legend when it comes to this world, but I’ve also got about 25 years of experience in the industry and feel I can introduce a few new ideas. We’ve signed the lease for another ten years and with Sheffield having such a strong vintage scene at the moment, it’s important to keep stepping up your game and ensuring things continue to thrive.”
Things are a tad hush-hush in terms of changes at the moment, but we can tell you that a new shop fit will take place at some point over the summer, womenswear has been reintroduced for the first time in five years and, for any students that might be interested, they’ve recently linked up with The Leadmill to provide discounted Hawaiian shirts for their popular Club Tropicana nights.
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There’s plenty more to come from this new chapter of Freshmans, but in the meantime pop down to see Louisa and the team, take a peek at the new stock coming through and see if you can bag a rare bargain or two. Also check out their Facebook page.
