Relic Clothing is reimagining the shopping experience by bringing its vintage, nostalgic atmosphere directly to customers. Instead of waiting for shoppers to visit a brick-and-mortar store, the brand sets up shop in a uniquely designed, retro-styled camper that travels to different locations.
The camper, decked out in white with colorful, ‘70s-inspired stripes and the bold Relic Clothing logo, instantly transports visitors to a world of nostalgia. For owner and founder Reinaldo Contreras III, the camper is more than just a store on wheels—it’s a time machine. “The whole thing is built to be a time-traveling machine,” he says.
Earlier this year, Contreras faced a setback when a car accident left the original camper in ruins. However, six months later, Relic Clothing has come back stronger with a new, larger camper, offering more space for merchandise and a richer experience for customers.
“It’s designed to take you back to your childhood or teenage years,” Contreras explains. “We created this experience on wheels to evoke those nostalgic feelings.”
Inside the camper, visitors are greeted by a blend of retro memorabilia. Items like an old Sony PlayStation, vintage posters, and a dressing room add to the atmosphere. The floors are painted with swirls of green, red, and orange in true ‘70s style, enhancing the immersive experience.
Contreras, a Lorain native, has had a passion for fashion since a young age. He recalls being the one in school who pushed the boundaries of style. “I was that kid in school, always expressing myself through fashion,” he says.
Relic Clothing began as a personal project in 2014 when Contreras discovered thrifting. He found that thrifted clothes were often of higher quality and more affordable than typical retail options. In 2017, he held Relic’s first pop-up shop at a vintage bar, which led to a series of successful events across Ohio. The brand has since expanded to cities like Detroit, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh, and even participated in this year’s MGK Day celebrations in Cleveland.
But it’s not just the clothes that set Relic Clothing apart. The brand’s creative approach to content and its one-of-a-kind pop-up shops have helped it carve out a niche in the vintage clothing market. Contreras hopes to attract sponsors and continue improving the camper, ensuring that each visit offers a unique and memorable experience for customers.
“People are drawn to the camper because it looks cool from the outside,” he says. “I’ve had people cry, and others smile so big. It’s an experience that resonates with everyone who steps inside.”
Relic Clothing’s roadshow is more than just a mobile shop—it’s a journey into the past that brings joy, memories, and community together, one pop-up at a time.
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