Penny Arcade - Interview

Penny Arcade is Toronto's newest vintage hot spot. It's a lovely and convenient addition to the still blossoming Dundas West vintage stretch that is home to stores like Apt. 909 and Marylou Flamingo. The store held an opening night celebration for friends, vintage shoppers, and partiers.

Store owner Rachel Sheehan was excitedly reviewing outfit choices when fashionMovementz arrived at the store. Her friends were setting up a cold weather comfort food spread of Tim Horton's donuts, macaroni, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Perusing the shop, you will find a perfect selection of vintage gear and a most impressive display of quirky trinkets. One of the many display shelves is home to ultra-wintery old copy of The Call of The Wild and a popcorn bucket holding neat old sunglasses.

Next to this interesting little shelf is a framed page of The Old Man and the Sea with some of its text replaced with clever curses in pen. And we haven't even seen the art yet!

Click here to read on for the interview with Sheenan

Penny Arcade

vintage inspiration. credit facehunter

theMOVEMENTZ invites you to come along for some vintage clothing, cool music and cocktails this Friday night. Who could ask for more?! Maybe even get some Christmas shopping done.. I know I'd appreciate some new vintage gear, I always do! *wink wink*.

Who: Penny Arcade

What: Launch Party for Vintage Clothing Store

Where: 1177 Dundas St. West at Ossington Ave.

When: December 12, 2008. 7pm



Toronto’s west end is getting a stylish new resident with the launch of Penny Arcade, a fresh spin on vintage retail. Opening its doors December 12 to Toronto’s fashion, art and music conscious consumers, Penny Arcade has something for everyone. Come and enjoy cocktails and hors d'ouevres while admiring the eclectic mix of art and fashion. A special guest DJ will be providing the soundtrack to your vintage experience, setting the mood for a fun night of style.



Penny Arcade sets itself apart from the vintage pack by marrying vintage trends with music, art and design. Not only will the new hot spot carry everything from rare vintage creations to coveted t-shirts and shoes, it will also showcase artwork and furniture created by local artists and designers. The store will be a place to relax and read a book while listening to new music and getting in touch with the art world. At night the store will serve as an event venue where budding musicians can share their sounds with the art community.



Rachel Sheehan is the visionary entrepreneur behind Penny Arcade’s carefully curated aesthetic. The vibrant yellow walls and antique furniture imbue the space with a sense of romance, nostalgia and fun. Dresses from the 1940’s and beyond line racks along the walls, taking the shopper on a whimsical trip through time and style. Whether you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind cocktail dress or a Friday night party tee, Penny Arcade will provide the right look.


As a graduate of Concordia’s Fine Arts Program, Rachel Sheehan has always had a creative streak that has led her from painting and illustration to fashion and design. Her personal style is eccentric and fun, mixing high fashion with kitschy finds from every decade. Rachel’s knowledge of fabrics, craftsmanship, and trends allows her to identify the best clothing, shoes and accessories at the best prices. This eye for style quickly turned her passion into a full time career.


After a brief period selling her vintage finds online, Rachel became frustrated with the lack of personal connection with vintage enthusiasts. This prompted her to create the laid back artistic haven that is Penny Arcade, a name that evokes the same sense of playfulness as her merchandise. Rachel maintains her personal touch and upholds her vision by mixing and matching seemingly disparate pieces to assemble memorable creations.


Every item of clothing in the store is hand picked and personally inspected by Rachel. She lives her passion, playing dress up with her customers; fashion should be fun!


The launch party will be a chance for the art community to connect and see the amazing artwork being created right here at home. Have a drink and check out some cool clothes at Penny Arcade. See you there!