A certain vintage store in Baltimore actually resembles the items for sale within: everything old is new again.
Changed My Mind, located in the Hampden neighborhood, has some of the vendors from Avenue Antiques at The Ideal, which recently closed. Changed My Mind is filling the gap now, having opened in spring 2015.
At Changed My Mind, they not only carry vintage finds but also locally crafted new goodies.
Changed My Mind in Baltimore — Photo courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Some people are ambivalent about shopping at vintage stores. In many cases, it’s easy to see why: they can be dusty, musty, poorly lit and so jam-packed with things like clothing that it’s hard and unpleasant to have to rifle through the junk to discover gems.
Some folks claim that it’s the thrill of the hunt that they love, but that thrill can probably only take you so far. When things are not cared for in the store, it’s likely that you will have to spend time repairing your hard-won purchase at home.
In vivid contrast, Changed My Mind is brightly lit, well stocked but not overly filled, clean and appealing. Vintage tunes play in the background, and the store appears to be well organized.
Usually, “well-curated” stores mean higher prices to the consumer, but it doesn’t seem to have affected Changed My Mind’s prices, which are quite market fair.
There are vendors/product collections that make the store stand out from others. Beautifully framed historic maps, advertisements and other vintage posters are wall-ready and in terrific condition.
There’s a back room that’s architecturally fascinating in itself, with an old style fire door and protection system. Around that room is a group of vintage office lighting equipment for sale. Props masters from television and stage would be well advised to check it out!
Tricia Leckliter – an employee of the store – makes clothing and hand-crafted jewelry sold on-site. Many of her creations have a Baltimore theme to them, making them fantastic souvenirs that go above and beyond "I Love Baltimore" t-shirts.
One glass-enclosed pendant on a chain is an old-time miniature Ouija board. Did you know that Ouija boards were invented in Baltimore just over 100 years ago?
Hampden, in general, is a clean, safe neighborhood. Everything is close together, quite walkable for anyone who comes to check it out.
The Changed My Mind store is on a side street right off “The Avenue,” steps from a plethora of restaurants, cafes and clothing boutiques. The area has a mix of authentic Hairspray old-school Baltimore, artists, young professionals and bohemian types, too.
