For best friends and Grand Valley State University students Peyton Collier and Adalena Luncanu, Addicted to Vintage started with a simple realization: vintage fashion shouldn’t be unaffordable for college students.
Addicted to Vintage is a student-run vintage shop which began when Collier and Luncanu started reselling clothing on campus in 2023. The shop specializes in styles ranging from the late 1990s through the 2010s, with racks featuring baby tees, denim, statement accessories and other staples. To them, the Y2K style is more than just a trend-cycle revival; it’s nostalgic and expressive.
The pair most recently expanded their shop into the Kirkhof lobby after Collier came across a Campus Activities Board small-business market on Instagram. She suggested they set up a table with their own collection of clothing for students on a budget, and the response was immediate, with the business growing ever since.
Collier and Luncanu responded to a joint-interview request, discussing why Addicted to Vintage is important to them and broader wider campus community.
“These (small-business) markets became a great opportunity for us to practice our business skills and share Y2K fashion with the campus,” shared the pair.
Collier and Luncanu have been best friends since sixth grade. The two bonded early over shared interests that eventually evolved into a love for early 2000s styles. This never stopped being a passion for them.
“We connected over common interests,” Collier and Luncanu said. “When we got to GVSU, we realized we could turn that passion into a small business.”
What sets Addicted to Vintage apart from other resale businesses is accessibility. To many, a major appeal of their shop are the $1 and $5 bins, which are consistently packed with affordable finds for students.
“One of the main drawing points of our table (in Kirkhof are) our $1 and $5 bins,” the pair said. “They let students either experiment with new clothing with low risk or add to their Y2K wardrobe at an accessible price.”
Beyond affordability, the duo emphasizes listening to their customers. They regularly ask shoppers which styles or specific items they’re seeking and intentionally bring those pieces to future markets. That direct feedback loop helps their shop feel personal rather than transactional.
The pair’s passion for vintage resale is also rooted in sustainability. For Collier and Luncanu, thrifting is a way to embrace fashion history without contributing to overconsumption. Many of their pieces come from their hometowns in East Michigan.
“It’s been fulfilling to know we can dress in styles we’ve always admired, while reducing textile waste and promoting circular fashion in order to lower our carbon footprint and protect our environment,” Collier and Luncanu said.
Like many resale entrepreneurs, they’ve faced challenges, including occasional judgment about selling pre-owned clothing. However, they view it as an opportunity to encourage open-mindedness and shift perceptions about secondhand fashion.
“It’s definitely not everybody’s thing,” the pair said. “It’s important to keep an open mind and try new things, knowing it is both fashionable and environmentally responsible.”
Looking ahead, their long-term goals continue to evolve as they prioritize their studies and future careers. For now, Collier and Luncanu remain focused on growing their presence through campus markets and continuing to build a supportive customer base.
“We have no doubt that Addicted to Vintage will continue growing and thriving,” Collier and Luncanu said.
Students will have another chance to browse the curated Y2K collection, and explore the $1 and $5 bins. Addicted to Vintage will host its next shop Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Kirkhof lobby.
