WILD Clothing: the Hockley shop that started Nottingham's vintage scene

Long before second-hand shopping became the height of fashion, one Hockley shop was already championing it. WILD Clothing opened in 1983 as Nottingham's first vintage shop, and LeftLion credits it with pioneering the vintage movement in the city.

More than four decades later, it is still going strong. You will find WILD on Broad Street, just down from Broadway Cinema, where two floors are filled with men's and women's vintage pieces spanning the 1950s to the early 2000s. LeftLion has described it as Nottingham's longest-running independent clothing store, selling an eclectic mix of vintage fashion.

The stock has always ranged widely. Alongside vintage European and American clothing, the shop has carried workwear labels such as Dickies, along with bags, footwear, hats, official band T-shirts and even vinyl. It is the kind of place where an hour can disappear while you flick through the rails.

One of WILD's best-loved traditions happens downstairs. Every day from 1.30pm there is a kilo sale, where items are priced by weight, a treat for anyone hunting for a bargain to rework or restyle.

The shop has also passed into new hands while keeping its spirit. In August 2020 Shaun, originally from Derby, took over from previous owner Robin, who was retiring. The handover had been planned for June but was delayed by lockdown. Shaun told LeftLion he had decided "on the spot" to buy the shop.

WILD sits at the heart of a neighbourhood that has become a destination for pre-loved fashion. Hockley is now home to several vintage and thrift stores, but it was WILD that showed the way.

At a time when more of us are choosing to buy less and buy second-hand, the shop's simple idea, giving good clothes a second life, feels more relevant than ever. For Second Hand September and beyond, it remains an essential stop.

WILD Clothing is at 4-6 Broad Street in Hockley. Pop in to browse the rails, and head downstairs after 1.30pm for the kilo sale.