Best friends who met working in the Grainger Market set to open their own vintage clothing store

Best friends who met while working in the Grainger Market are set to open their own clothing store in the Newcastle indoor market.

Jenn Gray and Adam Gordon met whilst working at Scorpio Shoes five years ago where they quickly bonded over their passion for retail, vintage clothing and British subculture fashion.

They started Tender Hooligan in 2022, a sustainable and vintage clothing shop. Specialising in British subculture and pre-loved vintage, the pair aim to bring a new lease of life back into clothing that would otherwise end up in landfill or get lost in the back of a wardrobe.

And now the pair are set to open their own store in November.

Adam said: “It’s always been a goal of ours to open our own shop.

“There’s a charm about the Grainger Market that you don’t find anywhere else. It really is a fascinating place. It is home to so many amazing businesses that we’ve really got to know as being part of that community.”

Tender Hooligan became a permanent fixture of the Tynemouth Market after launching a year ago, building a loyal customer base.

Jenn added: “After 11 years of working at the Grainger Market in Scorpio Shoes, it really is like home. When Scorpion Shoes closed, we both really missed not being here every day.

“Don’t get me wrong we did have a look at the idea of opening the shop in another location but really it was always meant to be the Grainger Market. It’s like a little family that we’re already part of.

“And there is a massive variety here. The Grainger Market has a fantastic customer base. People visit the market from all walks of life, and you get customers of all ages. In one day, you can serve 100 types of people and there really is nowhere else like that.”

Tender Hooligan will be located on Alley 4 and will sell a wide range of clothing, shoes and accessories.

Cllr Alex Hay, cabinet member for a Thriving City at Newcastle City Council, said: “I am always delighted to hear of new, independent businesses setting up in Newcastle, and even more so when they receive invaluable support from council colleagues to do this.

“What makes this story even better is that they have decided to set up in the Grainger Market, the beating heart of our city centre, after many years working there and appreciating all that it has to offer.

“We are committed to nurturing entrepreneurs, encouraging growth and making Newcastle a place where all businesses flourish, and I would like to wish Jenn and Adam every success in the future.”

Adam and Jenn are now working around the clock to get their new unit set up for opening in November. The shop will be located in unit 143/144 on Alley 4.