What is it?
The signs outside this near neighbour of the Heaton Perk café proclaim ‘DRESS AGENCY’ and ‘Ladies’ Nearly New Fashion Boutique’. The Rummage Facebook page makes clear that accessories are also for sale and the target clientele is “ladies of all ages”. Sewing and alterations are offered as part of the service.
Why is it smashing?
Because of the bargains to be had – a Vivienne Westwood ‘Anglomania’ dress, hardly worn, for £45, say; or a ‘Joseph’ leather jacket (same price) – but also because Penny Vincent must know more than most about what will suit women and what they’ll buy.
Rummage was set up by Pam and Sue on Osborne Road, Jesmond, in 1969. When Sue left in 1975, Penny joined. When Jesmond rents drove Rummage to its current premises six years ago, Pam retired and Penny is now mistress of all she surveys, which is a lot of glamour packed into a rather unprepossessing little shop (although there’s an upstairs where garments are steamed and sorted).
Rummage has a huge range of pre-loved clothes and accessories
Penny remembers when Jesmond was “a bit run down and not developed like it is now. We had a lot of student customers then, but rich students: no. They used to live in bedsits and wear raggy fur coats. But we also had clients who were teachers and sale reps or worked in offices. People went to dinner dances back then. We did a lot of that sort of thing. We still get the students because Heaton has its share but everything’s a bit more smart-casual nowadays.”
Rummage has always stocked designer wear and “really good labels”, says Penny. She is now hoping to benefit from people’s growing awareness of the notorious waste of the fashion industry. “Re-use, re-wear,” she urges.
Browsing is a must at this jewel of a clothes shop
As an agency, Rummage works on behalf of clients seeking new homes for often snazzy and expensive clothes. Some of these people shop in places like London and Edinburgh. One regularly sends clothes from Guernsey. If their pre-loved (and sometimes unworn) purchases sell in Rummage, Penny and the client share the proceeds. If not – and each garment has an eight-week shop life – Penny will either return them or deposit them in the charity bin outside.
The business depends on two sets of people who never meet, the selling clients and the buying customers. Like a fashionista matchmaker, Penny has become adept at pairing them up. Each client – and there are “hundreds” in her book – is assigned a code: D27, perhaps, or C13. Penny gets to know that clothes from D27, say, are of a style and size likely to suit a particular customer and she tips them off.
“I know that Sandra likes D27 and Vanessa likes L18,” she explains.
So, ladies – and that’s ladies of all ages – get along to Heaton Park Road and rummage for a bargain. Penny will be only too happy to help.
Find them on Facebook
Enjoy them on Instagram
Address: 99 Heaton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5NR
Tel. 0191 276 1317
Words/Images: David Whetstone