Discover Capital City Vintage: Edmonton’s Newest Vintage Gem
Located in the heart of Edmonton, a new haven for vintage enthusiasts has opened its doors that is already catching the attention of Edmontonians. Capital City Vintage, founded by local entrepreneur Julianne Cragg, offers a fresh take on the timeless charm of yesteryear. From its inviting, open layout to its carefully curated collections, this shop is more than a store—it’s a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and community.
From Pop-Up to Permanent
The journey of Capital City Vintage began with a simple idea and a lot of heart. Cragg recalls, “We started out as a pop-up market when a friend of mine suggested we do something to help the downtown farmers’ market. For two or three years, we ran pop-ups there, but when we lost our space, we were struggling to find somewhere else to go—and I was running out of room in my house!”
Faced with this challenge, Cragg saw an opportunity to create something Edmonton didn’t yet have: a permanent vintage mall. “I thought it would be interesting to start something unique here,” she said. “We toured vintage and antique malls across the U.S. and Canada, handpicking the best ideas from each one. We talked with owners, learned about their processes, and even got into the nitty-gritty of vendor management and operations. After that, we pulled everything together, wrote a massive business plan, and went for it.”
Cragg was inspired by Edmonton’s vibrant and supportive community. “The people here are what make Edmonton such a good community,” she said. “The vendors and shoppers alike work together. The vendors are all willing to get their hands dirty and do whatever it takes to make the store succeed. Edmontonians really appreciate the effort and craftsmanship that goes into these treasures.”
The Heart Behind the Pieces
One of the hidden gems of vintage shopping is the immense amount of work that goes into each piece before it ever reaches the shelf or rack. At Capital City Vintage, every item is thoughtfully curated and painstakingly restored by the dedicated vendors.
“People often think it’s as simple as finding something cool and putting it up for sale,” Cragg explained. “But there’s so much more to it. Vendors take items home and clean, repair, or even completely rebuild them. Some pieces are stripped down, sanded, filled, and reassembled with care before they’re ready for the store. They also handle all their own marketing, tagging, and accounting—it’s a full-time effort, and it’s done with love.”
This process isn’t just about making items look good; it’s about preserving history and offering shoppers one-of-a-kind items. Each piece at Capital City Vintage has been given a second chance at life, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship of its vendor.
Timeless Style with a Unique Flair
Capital City Vintage offers an eclectic array of treasures spanning decades, with something for everyone. From mid-century modern (MCM) furniture to carefully curated clothing, shoppers can find unique pieces that stand out in a world of fast fashion and mass production.
Cragg has noticed that Edmontonians, in particular, value this approach to style. “People here really appreciate pieces that last,” she said. “They’d rather spend their money on something meaningful and unique than on quantity. I think that says a lot about our community’s sense of individuality and sustainability.”
The shop’s inviting layout and ever-changing inventory make every visit a fresh experience. Whether you’re searching for a statement piece for your wardrobe or a unique item for your home, Capital City Vintage has you covered.
Sustainability at Its Core
At its heart, Capital City Vintage is about more than shopping—it’s about promoting sustainability and reducing waste. Each piece tells a story, and by choosing vintage, customers help preserve history while reducing their environmental footprint.
Cragg takes pride in seeing Edmontonians embrace sustainability and style. “It’s amazing to see people gravitate toward thoughtful, sustainable choices,” she said. “They’re looking for quality and character—pieces that reflect their personality and add meaning to their homes and lives.”
If you’re looking for an afternoon treasure hunt, a chance to support local businesses, or simply a space to immerse yourself in the charm of the past, Capital City Vintage is the place to be. By supporting local vendors and embracing a sustainable mindset, you have the chance to be part of a movement that values history, craftsmanship, and individuality here in our city.
The next time you’re exploring Edmonton, stop by Capital City Vintage, to experience the connection of a community that’s as passionate and unique as the treasures it offers.