It’s a trend that swept the state and nation, probably even the globe: repurposing used items for future and sometimes even delightful use.
At Elizabeth Glassman’s store, Retro Remix, she does just that and her curated collection of gently used, designer clothing, housewares and decorative gifts are now on display.
Passers-by might not quickly have noticed the tiny retail space on the corner of Railroad and Bridge streets in New Milford, but now, with Glassman’s new sign and brightly decorated display window, the little shop welcomes visitors daily to browse her collection.
Glassman, a Riverdale, Bronx native, has lived in Newtown since 2018 and works in the fashion industry; she wanted to have a business in New Milford’s busy downtown.
“I so believe in repurposing, recycling, upcycling,” Glassman said on a recent afternoon.
Upcycling and repurposing or recycling allows businesses to sell unique items, but also to keeps clothing out of landfills, they have said. One Connecticut store owner offers new wedding dresses, but also gently worn wedding dresses, mother of the bride dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and many other items a couple might need for the nuptial day, said Lisa Antonecchia.
Antonecchia has said part of her goal is to help people make back a bit of what they spent, but also to take the work out of using a service such as Facebook Marketplace, which can mean having to answers many inquiries about items, send photos and then “go out to meet” in a grocery store parking lot to deliver the items.
The recycling and upcycling trend also has spread to housewares, music, sports equipment and even homes.
Julene Repasky, a collector, stopped in Retro Remix to show off her collection of vintage vinyl records. Glassman declined the offer to purchase them, but chatted with Repasky about retail and consignment.
“I do the Elephant’s Trunk flea market every weekend when it’s open,” Glassman said. “It’s a great place to find unique things, and you meet so many people.”
“I love this store; it’s adorable,” Repasky said.
“My husband and I actually looked at this space for ourselves a while back. I’m glad (Glassman) opened something here,” she said. “It’s a great space.”
The store, at 14 Railroad Street is next to the Iron Rail bar and restaurant, and is a narrow space with a spiral staircase, leading to an office and storage floor.
The staircase itself is part of the shop’s displays; one side of the holds clothing: jackets, sweaters, flannel and denim shirts and leather coats. The bottom display features jeans, vintage Carhart jackets and other outerwear.
“I picked things that people can use right now, for the season,” Glassman said.
“Repurposing or recycling clothing is important. Things that are broken in, that are still in great shape, can be reused and reworn. I try to focus on the designers, like Ralph Lauren, and other brands that are made to last.”
The opposite wall of the store features long shelves with Glassman’s collection of vintage glass, decorative dishes and bowls, interspersed with new merchandise.
Canvas shopping bags, felted trivets and bowls from Tibet, African baskets in many sizes and colors, candles, diffusers and scents are new.
Glassman also sells a selection of skin care products, soaps and fragrances, maple syrup and flavored oils, made by various small-batch makers from New York and Connecticut.
Unique items include a quilt fashioned out of repurposed denim, with a soft flannel lining and handmade by a friend and vendor. There are mittens, hats and scarves, handbags, small woven rugs and wall décor, as well as paintings and framed, vintage crewel embroidery.
In the shop’s window, decorations are seasonal. “That’s mine,” Glassman said of one item. “Those have been around for a long time.”
Glassman said she enjoys being part of the retail scene in New Milford and looks forward to events held by local merchants.
“I’m having fun,” she said. “I meet new people every day and they’re shopping. I’ve had people thank me for opening the store.”
Retro Remix is located at 14 Railroad Street in New Milford, across from the Chamber of Commerce offices and the New Milford Railroad Station. Find the store on Facebook.