with the trends Trend + Relic’s mix of modern and vintage goods offers something for everyone By Louise Treeny | Photos provided by Trend + Relic
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n the spirit of its name, Trend + Relic is trending upward.
And not just in its customer following, which has grown exponentially. In less than two years the St. Charles store, a mix of new and vintage, has expanded its physical space twice, growing from 3,500 square feet to nearly 11,000. “It’s been extraordinary,” says Karri Custardo, who opened the shop with Heather Corcoran in July 2020. Trend + Relic’s vendors have also grown, from 14 to about 50 at its “grand reopening” this spring. Vendors range from repurposed vintage wares to new items to handmade furniture. “We have such good vendors,” Custardo says, noting dealers make sure not to duplicate each other’s offerings. Located in a stunning brick building on the east side of St. Charles, Trend + Relic feels warm and comfortable inside. Custardo describes the store’s aesthetic as “primarily new and vintage home decor with jewelry and clothing mixed in,” adding many
shoppers describe it as a “friendly vibe.” Lauren Garbutt began selling her repurposed vintage furniture at Trend + Relic last May. Her company, Lauren Michel Home, specializes in furniture ranging from the 1930s up to the ’70s. She had previously been operating out of her home, so Trend + Relic was her first experience selling out of a store. Regular foot traffic and connections with other small business owners are among the many benefits she’s seen. “They’re really great mentors,” Garbutt says of Custardo and Corcoran, adding they’ve advised her on marketing, social media and more. She enjoys that her fellow vendors are a good mix of “seasoned vets and newbies,” allowing them to grow together in the shop. “It’s been awesome,” she notes. “I’ve enjoyed the experience.” Trend + Relic has also expanded its offering of events and workshops. Customers will find monthly — sometimes even more often — “make and take”
workshops, such as paint your own pillowcase, pour your own candle and more. Register ahead of time online, and mark your calendar for these two upcoming events: • March 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Vintage Shop Hop, a popular event held twice a year, encourages people to shop local. Trend + Relic is on the official map! • April 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Several local businesses in St. Charles are collaborating on a “St. Charles Shop Crawl,” offering shoppers fun events and ways to boost the local economy. Custardo feels the store has something for everybody, whether you need a handmade throw blanket, refurbished end table or Fusion Mineral Paint for your own DIY projects. She says she and Corcoran love being able to provide a place for businesses to grow. “I think we have built something really special here,” she says.
trend + relic 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles 630-803-5253 www.trendandrelic.com HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022
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