Vintage Labrador is more than just a vintage store. It’s a heartfelt expression of owner Suzanne Scire’s passion for collecting and storytelling. Since opening the doors of Vintage Labrador in 2009, Suzanne has created a space that feels like stepping into a warm, inviting home filled with character and history.
Originally from New Jersey, Suzanne made the significant decision to relocate to Raleigh to be closer to her family, particularly her new grandson. “We packed up my business at the Jersey Shore and moved here last year with our two dogs, Stella and Murphy,” she shares. This move allowed her to pursue her dream of owning a shop while maintaining a flexible schedule to visit her children, who have since started their own chapters in Seattle and Raleigh.
Suzanne started doing markets in the Raleigh area, but finding her warehouse space in its charming Five Points neighborhood aligned with her vision for Vintage Labrador. The name itself reflects Suzanne’s love for two of her favorite things: vintage treasures and her beloved dogs, a rescue black lab mix and a chocolate English lab. “The inspiration to open Vintage Labrador was to showcase my passion for collecting vintage pieces and share them in a store,” she explains.
Vintage Labrador reflects owner Suzanne Scire’s love of two things: vintage treasures and her beloved labradors Stella and Murphy.
The unique vibe of the shop embodies Suzanne’s love of cottage charm and her focus on creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. She believes a home comprises both the inside and out, which is why she “brings the outside in” by including garden decor alongside interior pieces, drawing from her beloved experience of working on a flower farm in New Jersey and her passion for the garden.
Suzanne’s approach to curating items is simple yet effective: Would I put it in my house? She handpicks vintage furniture, garden decor, architectural salvage, and decorative pieces that feel genuine and timeless and which possess great character. “I believe if you always buy what you like, then things will all go together,” she says.
Her collection showcases European charm, coastal aesthetics, and an enduring love for a basket, which she describes as “just timeless.” The store, Suzanne shares, is meant to feel like stepping into a collected home — with warm layers and filled with stories — rather than a typical retail space. She sources from a combination of antique markets, estate sales, and trusted dealers up and down the coast, and she enjoys traveling and what she describes as the “thrill of treasure hunting.” In fact, Suzanne admits: “I don’t think I can ever give it up.”
At Vintage Labrador, every piece has a story. Suzanne emphasizes the significance of sharing the history behind vintage items, as it creates a connection between the object and the customer. “A person might have a fond memory associated with where a piece came from,” she explains, “making it more appealing to have in their home.”
One of her favorite finds, which remains in her own home to this day, is an antique pine seed packet cabinet with unique drawers and custom old glass drawer pulls engraved with the seed names, which serves as a testament to the beauty of vintage craftsmanship.
As the vintage market evolves, Suzanne has noticed a strong shift toward sustainability. “People are moving away from mass-produced decor and looking for quality, history, and uniqueness,” she observes. Vintage shopping not only gives new life to existing items but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle by reducing waste and keeping beautiful craftsmanship in circulation, allowing customers to reflect their values in their homes without sacrificing style.
With Vintage Labrador, Suzanne aims to create a welcoming corner of the neighborhood. “Raleigh has such a vibrant, creative energy,” she says. “I want to help people see vintage shopping not just as a trend, but as a meaningful way to decorate with intention, support sustainability, and celebrate craftsmanship.” By offering a curated mix of furniture and finds, she hopes to spark nostalgia and joy in her customers. “I want to become more than just a place where people feel inspired,” she says. Instead, she wants “to remind people of the charm that comes with giving things new life.”
As she envisions the future of Vintage Labrador, Suzanne is excited about the prospect of hosting special events and collaborating with local artisans. As for the prospect of expanding her collection and offering even more unique finds, she shares: “I hope to see more travel and treasure hunting overseas.”
With Suzanne’s dedication to sustainability and community, Vintage Labrador is poised to become a beloved destination for those seeking something special in Raleigh. “I’m here to build relationships, share stories, and to welcome all Labradors, of course,” she says.
In a world of mass production, Vintage Labrador stands as a reminder of the beauty of the past, the importance of sustainability, and the joy of decorating with intention. Whether you’re a seasoned vintage enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Vintage Labrador invites you to explore its treasures and become part of its story.
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