Inside ADPT.archiv on Central Station Buildings with Jon

Independent stores that bridge fashion and music culture bring an unbeatable energy to the high street. In this feature, we visit ADPT.archv to chat with founder Jon about curating 90s and early 2000s vintage and designer pieces, and building a community space in Exeter.

Open since December 2019, ADPT.archv focuses on handpicked selections from an era close to Jon's heart:

"ADPT.archv... 90s, early 2000 vintage, some Y2K stuff, sportswear, designer... This store's been here since December 2019... The whole Y2K, 2000 era was kind of my era. Seeing that come back around now is nice."

Drawing everyone from college and university students to weekend shoppers looking for high-end designer pieces at a fraction of retail price, Jon emphasises the appeal of independent curation:

"College students, uni students, weekends you get all sorts of people... You can come in store and you can pick up a designer piece less than a third of what you pay new, so it's appealing to everyone."

Music is just as central to the shop's identity as the clothing racks, featuring decks where Jon and student DJs can spin records:

"The music side of it, having that in the shop as well... I produce my own music and DJ, I've DJ'd for years... Having something like this in the store where people can just come in and DJ... it just adds another element to the store."