Perhaps it’s an obsession with Edgar Allan Poe or cemeteries, or a general pride in what makes Richmond strange. Whatever the source, it’s no secret that Richmond embraces alternative cultures such as goth, punk, metal, and even unconventional styles. The city’s brick-and-mortar retailers are the backbone of the scene, stocking spooky products and products for spooky people.
One of the new additions to this community is hissing soundlocated on Cary Court in Cary Town. Owner Sophie Smith opened the shop in July and decorated the 750-square-foot space with striking hot pink walls and animal print accents. Smith sells carefully selected new and used clothing, shoes, and art from independent artists in her own quirky style. Her products are mainly inspired by gothic, alternative, 1990s and 2000s, Harajuku fashion, and new styles that diversify the scene.
“I found a niche in what I like and what a lot of my friends like,” Smith says. “Of course, there are thrift stores here that sell all sorts of different aesthetics, but I felt like the niche I wanted to sell was missing here.”
Smith discovered her passion for fashion curation in college while reselling vintage clothing online through the fashion site Depop. After earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Radford University, Smith moved to Richmond in 2021, drawn to the city’s artistic opportunities. After several jobs, she formalized her passion for fashion at Hiss Off, where she hand-picks her inventory based on trends and feedback from Richmond’s quirky scene.
Alternative culture is also defined by music and media. wax moon This specialty store is located on Altamont Street in Scotts Addition. dawnstar video game The next block opened in 2015 and sells records, CDs and DVDs in the horror and goth genres. Owner Andrew Grimoire says preserving subcultural interests has allowed the store to thrive over the past decade.
“Streaming services are now more fragmented, and many movies will no longer be available for streaming at any time,” Grimoire says. “Many big box stores are giving up on physical media. [while we have] Approximately 10,000 records are constantly rotating at Wax Moon. ”
As Richmond’s far-left businesses attract new customers, Smith sees the diversity of alternative retailers as an overarching trend. “I think there’s a huge demand for different variations, even under the alternative parent umbrella,” Smith said. “We all fit a little bit differently, so we work well together.”
alternative shop
2239 W. Broad St.
This “Goth Cowboy Store” opened in 2018 and sells apparel and accessories that add a dark touch to shoppers’ homes and wardrobes.
3122 W. Cary St., Suite C
His Off, which opened this summer, offers a vibrant and unique selection of art and vintage clothing.
123 E. Main Street
This husband-and-wife shop offers a specially selected selection of dark, gothic clothing and accessories for all ages.
349 S. Laurel Street
Richmond’s Oddity Shop, located across the street from Hollywood Cemetery, sells a selection of crystals, animal bones, taxidermy and more online and in-store.
1310 Altamont Avenue
Wax Moon focuses on physical media, selling CDs and records as well as a wide selection of horror DVDs and VHS tapes.
2925 North Avenue
Nevermore is a retail space and micro-gallery dedicated to supporting local artists through the sale of art, clothing, and home goods.
300 E. Grace Street
Vinyl Conflict offers both in-store and online shopping, buying and selling CDs, DVDs, and records in hardcore, punk, metal, and related genres.
Source: Shopping & Style – richmondmagazine.com
