In a world that is (hopefully) moving toward trends that are more sustainable and renewable for the planet, one new store in Vermilion is helping to save the planet, one piece of repurposed clothing at a time…and makes you look good doing it.
What is it: Harbourtown Trading Co., 5645 Liberty Ave., is a storefront in Vermilion that “curates previously loved clothing, shoes and accessories from a wide variety of sources, current and vintage,” according to owner Frances Korhel. Korhel literally takes old fashions and makes them new again.
“There is something for everyone here,” Korhel says. “Bags, shoes, accessories, clothing! And if you don’t see it in the shop, then you can look at my
online boutique.”
History of the business: Korhel took her love of thrifting and turned it into a thriving business. With humble beginnings on websites such as Ebay and Poshmark, she began selling items online during Covid as a “side hustle.”
The most popular items she sells are vintage and current concert tees. She even has customers, affectionately referred to as her regulars, that stop in every week to see her new shipments of these items. The T-shirts, as well as purses and vintage denim, are at the top of the store’s popularity list.
Living and working in Vermilion: Being fond of the regular customers in the shop and enjoying their patronage isn’t a hard reach for Korhel, being that she is newly returned to Ohio. Vermilion is hometown to both she and her husband. Born and raised in the quaint town, she left as a young adult, enjoying a career in healthcare before returning a year and a half ago with her family. She runs the shop with the help and support of her family and children.
Residing just two blocks from the shop in downtown Vermilion, she has found her place again amongst loved ones and a strong community.
“Vermilion is such a welcoming, beautiful place,” Korhel says. “I feel like I’m living in a Hallmark movie, to be honest…it’s honestly surreal.” On nice days, she even makes her commute by foot.
Buzzwords pop up all the time surrounding the ideas of reduce, reuse and recycle, revitalize and repurpose. Few people put their money where their mouth is. Harbourtown Trading Co. is “committed to providing premium quality products at fair prices and supporting sustainability through recycling fashion,” Korhel says.
You can find out more at
www.harbourtowntrading.com and on Instagram and Facebook @harbourtowntradingco. You can also call for information at
440-752-9527.