Conversations with Alison Matney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Matney

Hi Alison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Durham Vintage Collective began with a shared passion for vintage. Each of us initially ran small businesses online and at markets, offering unique vintage pieces. After crossing paths, the original partners decided to combine efforts and form the collective.

We officially opened just over a year ago, with each member bringing distinct expertise: Alison Matney of Bull City Vintage specializes in furniture and home décor; Chelsea Polston of Disco Designs Vintage offers standout clothing pieces; and HK McKinney of Flipper McCoy curates vintage tchotchkes, t-shirts, and accessories. Together, we’ve created a diverse, curated shopping experience for vintage enthusiasts.

Over the past year, we’ve expanded inventory, added vendor spaces, and collaborated on community events in downtown Durham. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing, finding new vintage gems, and sharing our passion with customers.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening the collective has been an exciting journey, but not without challenges. Managing startup costs was a major hurdle, and we had to make adjustments to the partnership structure as the business evolved. Additionally, slow sales during off-peak times pushed us to rethink our strategies. However, these challenges have helped us adapt and build a stronger, more resilient business and partnership.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets us apart is how each partner brings something unique to the table. Alison keeps the shop fresh by curating a constantly evolving inventory provided by our collective partners and revolving vendors. Chelsea creates engaging social media content and manages day to day operations, while HK oversees communications and internal buying processes. Together, the three of us source the most amazing vintage finds, building a community-driven space where every piece has a story.

We’re proud of how sustainability, style, and storytelling come together in our shop. Every item is carefully selected, and our customers truly value the personal touch behind everything we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.durhamvintagecollective.com
• Instagram: @durhamvintagecollective