Sea City Vintage brings massive vintage pop-up market to Mulcahy's in Wantagh

Sea City Vintage will transform Mulcahy’s of Wantagh into a thrifting paradise this weekend for its biggest pop-up vintage market yet.

What started as a mom-and-pop shop (literally) in Atlantic Beach has quickly expanded into a network of 150 vintage vendors. Husband-and-wife duo Cassie and Tom Justice opened up their vintage store in 2022, but by 2024 they were already venturing outside of their storefront, hosting pop-up markets in local breweries and businesses across Long Beach. After gaining traction through word-of-mouth and social media, their business grew. For the first time, they are bringing their pop-up outside of the Barrier Island, with a two-floor vintage market at Mulcahy’s on March 22. The free-entry shopping event will feature dozens of vendors serving the best of all things vintage, from clothing and jewelry to antique homeware and collectibles.

Mulcahy’s event coordinator and sales director, Ruby Staplehurst, says the concert hall is "always open to try new events." Just as this is Sea City Vintage’s first wide-scale market, it’s the bar’s first retail-marketing event. Ruby says Mulcahy’s expansion in 2019 inspired them to book events beyond the music scene. 

The March 22 event will feature full food and drink service in the upstairs catering room and a market of 75 vintage sellers. Expect a full day of sipping, shopping and even "vintage" music as Mulcahy’s house DJ Mike Savage plays his vinyl set. From food and drinks, to potential hidden gems in antiques and vintage jewelry, clothing, houseware and collectibles, you’ll be sure to "strike gold," the owners say.

"Vintage is having its moment right now," Cassie says. From a quaint boutique to what seems to be a vintage powerhouse, Sea City Vintage saw the potential in mobile commerce and collaborated with owner of Mulcahy’s, Tom Murray, to coordinate this "mainland market."

Sea City Vintage started with around 20 vendors when it first opened in Atlantic Beach, but with their first event at Bright Eye Beer Co. in Long Beach in 2024 being a success, they gained inquiries from sellers across New York State.

Tom and Cassie say they bonded over their shared love for vintage. They both grew up thrift shopping and according to Cassie, "it was always a huge thing we did together." Before starting their own business, both Cassie and Tom had full-time careers. Cassie worked in finance, specializing in marketing and events, while Tom was in corporate construction management. After having their first child, Cassie says the couple decided to "follow their passion," and opened up their Atlantic Beach store. The couple paired with local businesses such as Bright Eye, bringing attention to their vintage venture.