Bournemouth Vintage Emporium proves nostalgic items make profit

The huge Bournemouth Vintage Emporium on Christchurch Road just down the hill from Pokesdown railway station has tapped into a growing market.

Graham Spridgeon launched the enterprise after agreeing a special deal with landlord DWP Housing Partnership, which is keen to encourage local entrepreneurship.

After two years trading, the business has gained a formidable reputation with visitors coming from across the world.

The booming bazaar has proven that given premises with a sensible rent, a niche business is able to flourish.

The carefully curated vintage emporium has tea rooms and up to 50 traders selling vintage fashion, art, curiosities and furniture.

It has a specially decorated and dedicated room that can be hired for meetings and is soon welcoming a barber to work on site.

Steve Wells from DWP Housing Partnership, said: “We bought the premises some years ago and have planning permission to build flats.

“However, after speaking with Graham about his plan to open a new venture I suggested he use the building as it is the ideal size.

“Two years on and I’m delighted that the emporium is booming. It really is a fascinating place to visit.

“As well as our residential accommodation which we are known for, we also have a number of commercial premises and we are always pleased to assist new businesses get off the ground.

“Graham’s business also helps numerous other traders by giving them space to sell their wares. It also shows how popular vintage items are.”

Graham, who trained as a barber and launched the business because it was his passion, said: “Having a sympathetic landlord made a huge difference. DWP have been very accommodating and encouraging.”

He says the next stage will be internet sales.

“Furniture and lights sell best, but there is such variety that everyone finds something of interest here. Nostalgia is really big and that is partly to do with the TV shows that have popularised it.”