Go-Kat-Go, the midtown vintage store in Phoenix, is moving from its location on Seventh and Glenrosa avenues to a new home on Grand and 15th avenues.
Relocating to a lot between Trunk Space and Bikini Lounge marks the sixth move for Go-Kat-Go.
The store will open its new doors on Feb. 1, just in time for First Friday.
Since the store’s establishment in 1996, Go-Kat-Go has been known for its affordability and unique merchandise. From vintage t-shirts to mid-century furniture, Go-Kat-Go carries a large assortment of vintage furniture, clothing and collectibles.
Co-founder Brandi Kvetko said she and co-owner Christian Otjen are excited to move to Grand Avenue, something they have been hoping to do for some time.
“Every time we moved we took a trip down Grand Avenue, but it was never the right time for retail,” Kvetko said.
However, with Grand Avenue blooming into a bright and vibrant area, Kvetko and Otjen found a well-placed lot and decided to make the move.
Matt Tomb, owner of Bikini Lounge, said he is excited for Go-Kat-Go to move in next door.
“It’s as good of fit as any to the corner and what’s going on on Grand Avenue,” said Tomb, whose bar is decorated with vintage tiki-type pieces that Go-Kat-Go has long carried.
When he found out Go-Kat-Go would soon be moving in, Tomb said he went to Go-Kat-Go’s former store to personally welcome Kvetko and Otjen to the neighborhood.
“We share a lot of the same dichotomy of people and a bunch of the art crowd,” he said. “They’re going to be a great fit.”
The Grand Avenue location is smaller than Go-Kat-Go’s previous residence, but Kvetko said they were looking to downsize. They are also hoping to streamline their merchandise, focus on men’s vintage clothing and specialize in different eras and themes.
One new specialty Kvetko said they are establishing is in carrying “old Arizona”-based items.
“Arizona has such an amazing history and in all kinds of places,” said Kvetko, adding that she and Otjen often take day trips around the state to poke around funky towns and bars.
“We’re super inspired by the old trading posts and gift shops and the Holbrook area,” she said.
To accentuate this theme, Kvetko and Otjen are changing the name of the store from Go-Kat-Go to Jackalope Trading Post. They’re hoping the new name will be a fresh start for the store that is known for its mid-century merchandise.
“Because of what the name of the store is, how long it has been around and what it originated as … it might get pigeonholed into a ’50s store, and we’re really not a ’50s store,” Otjen said.
“We just wanted a fresh take on stuff,” he said.
Despite the new name and location, Kvetko and Otjen are adamant that the store’s purpose will not change, a welcome sign for its large group of followers.
“Go-Kat-Go isn’t going anywhere, it’s just taking a new form,” Otjen said.
Kvetko echoed his sentiments.
“One of the things I’m most proud of about the store is the diverse clientele,” she said. “Go-Kat-Go will never die … I will never let it die!”
Contact the reporter at linnea.bennett@asu.edu
