The Review

Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Molly MacMillan Sandi Patterson opened Clothes in the Past Lane one year ago.

The store is eclectic. The owner is animated. Main Street is a little more dynamic.

Newark resident Sandi Patterson fulfilled a lifelong dream when she opened her retro clothing store, Clothes in the Past Lane, approximately one year ago.

"I wish I'd done it 10 years ago," she said. "I just didn't have the time or the wherewithal."

Patterson, a Delaware native, said she finally found the time to begin her business after a series of lay-offs from human resources jobs, joking that employers cut staff so often that she began to take it personally. The idea of the store was always in the back of her mind as something she would like to do and, in 2006, she made it happen.

Her face brightens when she talks about Clothes in the Past Lane, a combination of retro pieces, name-brand clothing and items designed by interns, as well as jewelry and accessories.

Since it opened, the store has cultivated a loyal customer base of university staff and students, but Patterson said it also attracts customers across the county and in Newark.

"I chat it up with everybody," she said. "I get feedback from customers about what they'd like to see you carry."

Patterson is in the store nearly every day to welcome new shoppers and get to know her customers, developing a strong base of regulars, including university freshman Andrea Williams.

"It's my favorite store on Main Street," Williams said. "The collection is really eclectic and unique - a lot of stuff you can't find other places."

Her employees help customers put outfits together, blending retro pieces with the new clothing and accessories the store carries. Patterson said she has seven employees who are apparel design or fashion merchandising majors. She refers to them as her interns, though only one is officially recognized as an intern by university standards.

"All of my interns have a gift," Patterson said. "They do my windows and cases. They're all very creative."

She said the store occasionally carries clothing designed by her interns. In addition to crafting original garments, they repair the vintage and retro clothing. After repairs, the clothing is laundered or dry-cleaned and put on the shelves.

The store often acquires its older clothing in estate sales or from elderly owners who contact Patterson, she said.

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