by Clothing For Naked People is one of Dinkytown’s newest clothing stores.
“We have three really fun, kind cats,” said Mitch Kalka, the store’s owner.
“I just got a lead on a place that wasn’t on the market yet in Dinkytown, and why would you say no?” Kalka said.
The store is located on the lower floor of a building on 14th Ave. in a somewhat unconventional space.
“The vibe and everything is amazing, and the fact that people can study here too — I think that’s amazing,” said Carla Hernandez, a student at the Carlson School of Management.
Ciara Lakis was studying in the store while Hernandez shopped.
“The vibes are really chill. It’s very retro vintage. I really like the vibe; it’s calm,” Lakis said.
Beyond the study areas, it remains a vintage store selling older used clothing, jewelry and shoes.
“The style of vintage clothing is very different from the clothing we have today,” Hernandez said.
“I don’t like buying stuff now because it’s so expensive, so vintage is just the cheapest and the coolest thing to do. I’d rather just reuse,” Lakis said.
Prices are higher than at a thrift store like Goodwill, but Kalka said the items are rarer and more sought after. He sources his inventory from a charity called Joseph’s Coat.
“Any time someone makes a purchase here, 50 percent goes back to them,” Kalka said.
Kalka hopes the space can serve as a study area and a hangout for students to work and relax in an environment different from other campus spots.
“We’re very happy with the numbers,” Kalka said. “More than anything, I was impressed with just how awesome all the customers were. So many young, intelligent and cool people hanging out.”
The store is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
