Stockton played host to the inaugural Vintage Clothing Expo and Shoe Swap, organized by Collective Soles, at Dillard's parking lot last weekend.
This significant event, which usually would be seen in larger cities, was brought home by local business owners Mark Delacruz and William Shaw.
Delacruz shared the choice to host the event in Stockton was a conscious decision to serve underrepresented markets and to emphasize that the community doesn't need to travel to bigger cities to engage in such gatherings. "I just know Stockton shows up," he affirmed.
The expo turned out to be a massive success, drawing attendees from as far as Pacifica, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland. The gathering featured 80 vendors and served as a valuable networking opportunity for small businesses. Stockton resident Jaedan Alfiche highlighted how the event's robust social media promotion enticed him to check out the offerings, especially the popular lemonade and fruit cups from Frutas Danny.
The overwhelming positive response to the expo has encouraged Delacruz and Shaw to consider bringing the event back to Stockton more often. "Stockton is home," Shaw stated, reflecting on their choice to tap into a market yet untouched by such expos.
Collective Soles will host their next event in Fremont on August 19th. To stay updated, follow them on Instagram @collective.soles. For more on this read the full story on Stocktonia.
