For over a decade, Holly Wright has made a career out of turning trash into treasure. A preservationist, collector, and superfan, she has bought, sold, and traded everything from movies and video games to toys and electronics sourced from all corners of Richmond. Last month, Wright combined her interests into an initiative. rewind vintagelocated at 108 N. Seventh Street, downtown.
Rewind Vintage started in 2024 as an online store, selling the finds Wright collected while running Tech Exchange, a retro gaming store near Virginia Commonwealth University, and hosting movie and gaming events around the city.
“When I left my last company, in a way I was like, ‘You know what? I need to bring everything I do under one umbrella,'” Wright says. “From there, Rewind Vintage was born.”
Wright added that in the age of digital media, physical copies are harder to obtain and have greater value to consumers. “Every version released on VHS, DVD, or Blu-ray includes special features and cast member interviews or commentary,” she says. “I feel that the special and intimate things about the creation of art are the only things that are really important to pay attention to, because that’s the history of everything that led to what we love today.”
The store’s nostalgic atmosphere comes from a combination of recycled treasures and Wright’s personal collection of games, posters, and more. “It’s just a fun environment,” she says. “If I walk into a store and see Super Mario or Yoshi, I don’t get upset.”
The store will also host meetups and events related to Wright’s community work. RVA VHSa collective for fans of the format to discuss and exchange tapes. side quest rvaan annual video game tournament hosted by Broadbury that began in 2025. Mr. Wright also retro vibes marketa place where small sellers and pop-up stores can showcase their unique collections on a semi-monthly basis. Wright aims to host the next Retro Vibes Market in the store in the coming months.
Wright hopes to increase engagement efforts and expand her customer base through her storefront, while supporting Richmond’s retro gaming community. “I feel like I have to keep pinching myself because I can’t believe it’s actually here and that I’m doing it,” she says. “It’s about personal pride and love for the community.”
Source: Shopping & Style – richmondmagazine.com
