Rebound

Located on Gillygate close to the Art Gallery and Museum Gardens, this small but perfectly formed record shop is colourful inside and out with a bold blue exterior and funky decor that gives it a cool retro vibe. Rebound sells secondhand CDs and vinyl from a whole host of different eras and genres, but there’s a particular focus on jazz. Serious jazz collectors will appreciate being able to speak with the shop’s knowledgeable staff, who can order in records upon request. Rebound also boasts a large collection of rock, ‘60s and folk music that may include some hard-to-find gems.

The Vintage Works

Tucked away down Grape Lane, The Vintage Works opened last spring with the aim of helping you to ‘stay stylish and stay sustainable’. This is an ethos that its owner, Chris Brown, is keen to follow – in fact, he furnished the shop himself using reclaimed materials. The Vintage Works caters to all tastes and budgets, selling rare, one-off pieces and secondhand clothes by popular brands including Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Nike, Carhartt, Adidas and Harley Davidson. You’ll find cosy puffer jackets that are perfect for the current weather here, as well as vintage Levi’s. The shop has its own loyalty scheme and a ‘rescue rail,’ which features pieces with minor imperfections that you can save while getting a real bargain.

Chinese Laundry

Residing in a historic, timber-framed building on Goodramgate, Chinese Laundry is part of a small, Yorkshire-based chain that was founded in Hull in 2004. Its characterful York shop is filled with a huge selection of vintage clothing from across the decades, which is handpicked from collections in Europe and America. There are also reworked pieces and original designs from the company’s own clothing range to choose from. This is inspired by vintage styles and includes graphic logo t-shirts and tote bags, relaxed fitting jumpers and comfy sweatshirts in cool colourways with embroidered designs.

Expressions

If you’re a fan of US sports, Expressions is well worth a visit. This family-owned vintage and retro shop on Walmgate specialises in American sportswear that it imports itself. You’ll find ice hockey, American football, baseball and basketball jerseys here, along with signed memorabilia from teams in the NFL and NBA and official accessories such as knit beanies and baseball caps. You can also pick up secondhand garments in a wide range of different styles here, along with brand new ‘repro’ clothing, including pretty swing dresses from brands such as Hell Bunny, Lindy Bop and Spin Doctor. The shop is known for its reasonable prices – the majority of its clothes are just £10.

Earworm Records

Now more than ten years old, Earworm Records was founded with the aim of bringing quality music on vinyl to York. This independent record shop is hidden away in Powells Yard off Goodramgate. Earworm offers a personal touch, with friendly and expert staff. It sells both new and secondhand records, including new releases and reissues from bands and artists performing across a wide range of different genres. Whether you’re into hip hop, jazz, country, dance, reggae, indie or rock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here. You can also discover new music on the shop’s listening decks or bring in old records of your own to sell.

Vault Seven

Offering a carefully-curated selection of one-of-a-kind clothes, jewellery and accessories, Vault Seven opened on Lendal back in December. It’s owned by business partners Sammy and Betsy, who are passionate about vintage, having previously run kilo sale events. Their shop has a smart, minimal interior and is stocked with an ever-changing selection of preloved clothing. This currently includes February-friendly knitwear and jeans by designers including Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Armani. Vault Seven also stocks a small range of records and handmade gifts and trinkets, such as beautiful crystal and gemstone jewellery from its co-owner’s other business, The Craft by Betsy.

Pitch 22

Situated on Fishergate, Pitch 22 specialises in secondhand records, art and books. On this little shop’s heaving shelves you’ll find fiction and non-fiction titles, along with magazines and a particularly great collection of art and music books. The artwork featured in the exhibitions that adorn Pitch 22’s walls is also for sale. The shop stocks vinyl and CDs, with prices starting at just £1. If you want to try before you buy, you can even listen to your potential purchases first on the in-store record player.

Images- @chineselaundry_york, @thevintageworksyork, @dogandbonevintage