New Bedford Thrift Shop Makes New York Times Top 50 List

It’s not every day a small clothing shop from New Bedford ends up in the national spotlight, but that’s exactly what happened for this charming little vintage gem.

Recently, the New York Times dropped a list of the top 50 clothing stores from the East to the West Coast, and to the surprise of many (but honestly, not to anyone who’s ever stepped foot inside), a SouthCoast favorite officially made the cut.

Circa, located at 204 Court Street, is a vintage-driven treasure chest packed with American clothing from decades long gone. Inside, you’ll find everything from Zoot suits and Pendleton coats to Victorian lingerie and 1940s letterman jackets. Owner Chris Duval is a longtime vintage dealer, and his eye for the good stuff gives customers a built-in expert guiding them through the racks.

However, Circa is not exactly open to the public. Duval told us he is really only open by appointment only, and not so much for casual shoppers but rather for stage and screen productions that need period-era costumes.

"We focus on wholesaling and as a design resource. Designers send teams in to source inspiration for new stuff," he said.

A Vintage Staple With Deep Local Roots

Duval's passion for collecting began back in 1974, inspired by Bobby Garnett’s legendary Provincetown vintage shop, Strutters.

Over the years, Circa has become a local favorite, not just because of its one-of-a-kind pieces, but because every item feels like it comes with its own backstory.

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Additional reporting by Aubrey Rodrigues