Chappy: Vintage Heaven in Linden

by | Jan 25, 2022 | Johannesburg, Markets/Shopping | 12 comments

I don’t have time to write a long post this week. But I can’t wait any longer to tell you about Chappy Vintage, my new favorite Jozi shop.

Vintage gramophone at Chappy in Linden
Chappy’s delightful interior.

Chappy opened about nine months ago in Linden, which is fast becoming one of Joburg’s hippest suburbs. I first discovered Chappy in early December and planned to blog about it right away, but then I got covid and couldn’t get back there to take photos until a few days ago. And I needed to do a proper photoshoot before writing this post because Chappy is a ridiculously photogenic place.

Chappy is on 4th Avenue in Linden, directly next door to a Caribbean themed bar/restaurant called Brian Lara Rum Eatery. Brian Lara has a couple of tables on Chappy’s front stoep and there is a door that connects the two establishments at the back. This is a very smart move on Chappy’s part; I could totally imagine myself embarking on a big Chappy shopping spree after a couple of rum cocktails.

Outside Chappy
There was no one sitting outside Chappy when I went there last Friday afternoon. But the previous time I went there, on a Saturday afternoon, these tables were full. Chappy stays open late, until 8:00 p.m. or slightly after, to cater for the bar crowd.

Chappy sells vintage collectables, clothes, vinyl records, and home decor. Obviously there are many — hundreds, possibly thousands — of charity shops and antique shops selling this kind of merchandise in Joburg. There are quite a few others right there in Linden. But I have never been to a vintage shop as well curated as Chappy. Everything there just goes together, and the shop is arranged in a quirky, beautiful way that makes me want to buy everything. The fantastic sound track also helps.

Decorated wall in Chappy
A mesmerizing Chappy wall.
Inside Chappy
I often feel overwhelmed when I walk into a second-hand shop that is over-stuffed full of merchandise. But Chappy has plenty of space to move around.
Chappy
I wouldn’t let myself buy any of this; I’m already stocked up on vintage clothes from @ThreeDogsThrift. But Chappy has great clothes, both women’s and men’s, at very good prices.
Rooster alarm clock
I did, however, buy this battery-operated rooster clock that cock-a-doodle-doos for an alarm. No regrets.
Records for sale at Chappy
I haven’t owned a record-player since about 1984 but Chappy makes me wish I did.
Items for sale at Chappy
King Tut with a side of veggie plates. Love.

Chappy is owned and run by Michael Lesar — a Joburg deejay (this is explains the great music) who pivoted to a new business when covid hit — and his designer partner, Arminda da Silva. I spoke briefly to both Arminda and Michael during my two visits and they seem incredibly nice. They also have strikingly great senses of style.

Michael Lesar at Chappy
Michael wearing an impossibly cool upside-down-giraffe printed shirt, which I kind of wanted.

Go to Chappy soon before King Tut disappears.

Chappy dressing room
Even the dressing room is cool.

Chappy is at 56 4th Avenue, Linden, and is open from noon to 8 p.m. Call 074-525-7281. Chappy also has a great Instagram page.

12 Comments

  1. Peggy Laws

    I was interested to see the opening hours – noon till 8pm. That’s quite unusual?

    Reply
    • 2summers

      Yes, it’s to coincide with the bar next door. (I explain it on the post ????)

      Reply
  2. Nancy McDaniel

    I want his shirt too. And of course to the rooster alarm clock – be still my heart! (I trust you paid less than $200..for the one I found on etsy . Go see

    Reply
    • 2summers

      Ha! I think I paid about 200 RAND 🙂

      Reply
  3. Peggy Laws

    Oooh yes! I see it now. I must stop “speed reading”!

    Reply
  4. AutumnAshbough

    It looks very spacious and bright! Rare in any store, especially vintage. Vintage tends to run toward cluttered.

    Reply
    • 2summers

      That’s actually true. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

      Reply
  5. Margaret Urban

    Love the rooster clock! (I have a chicken mechanical timer … still working after 20+ years…) 🙂

    Reply
  6. Lani

    Love vintage, second-hand, and brightly lit welcoming spaces. Chappy hits all three <3 Enjoy the clock. I'd buy it even if it didn't work – 😛

    Reply
    • 2summers

      I definitely would have too.

      Reply

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