Behind the scenes with Bad Days Vintage and Vinyl
If you’re a Palm Beach local or a fashion aficionado, you already know that one of our most beloved vintage stores has undergone a major transformation. But if you’re out of the loop, don’t worry – we’re taking you behind the scenes of Bad Days, the exciting collaboration between Strange Days Vintage and Badlands Vinyl.
For five years, Strange Days has occupied a special place in the Gold Coast’s shopping scene – particularly for lovers of all things vintage. But their recent expansion south, to Tweed’s iconic Bay Street, gave founder Sylvie Cornu a chance to look at her OG Palm Beach store with fresh eyes. That’s when the magic happened…
How did this collaboration come about? Take us back to where it all started.
Well, it kind of happened by chance! I was very undecided on what to do with the original shop space, as my lease was coming to an end. Since we had moved to Bay St, everyone was going to the new store – which is what I wanted. But still, leaving Palm Beach after five years made me feel sad. I wasn’t ready.
One day I was in Kim’s record shop [Badlands Vinyl, Tweed Heads], and he asked me what was happening and if I was keeping it. I simply said, “I want to, but I’d have to change it to something new and different.” We just looked at each other and had a lightbulb moment. One week later, we had a plan!
What has the collaboration process been like so far? The highs, the lows, the surprises?
So far, everything is running smoothly and just falling into place, which makes us really feel at ease – like this was meant to be. We’ve been bouncing things off each other, and Kim and Sylva have been down with all my ideas for the fit out and look, which is something I really like to focus on. I like to create an experience that my visitors will remember. It’s been so nice to share the excitement and ideas process because I’ve mostly done this solo previously, with no business partners.
The only surprises have been the reality of us both being new parents. We’re realising our babies can often bring unexpected speed bumps which we have to navigate – even if it means working ourselves to the bone. But the show must go on. That’s business, baby!
You’ve had this Palmy store for a long time now. What is it about that community that makes it the perfect place for this new venture?
Yes, it’s coming up to five years now, and boy has it gone so quick! I think with all the changes happening in the area and this new influx of people, it was the perfect opportunity to bring something different and much needed to the southern end. There are so many new small businesses that have popped up since I opened, and I feel it’s starting to become this lil’ hub of coolness that puts Palm Beach on the ‘must visit’ list.
Why do you think Palm Beach locals (and the Gold Coast more generally) will love Bad Days?
Since the iconic Rare Groove Records closed in Nobby’s, we’re really missing record shops here. With only a handful around, in Southport and Tweed, I feel like this will bridge the gap. And of course, vintage stores are still very much needed here. It blows my mind that there are still so few for such a big and expanding region.
Tell us what we can expect from Bad Days?
Bad Days is going to bring you a fun-filled, explorative vintage collectables store, with clothing and goods from another era – and then, of course, everything you would expect at a small independent record shop. New and used records, tapes, CDs, turntables and accessories, and bunch of weird rad things you didn’t know you needed!
My brain is always exploding with ideas for events, so we have a few things up our sleeves. But of course, our goal is to bring something new and not just do your typical, run of the mill events.
How has the process of setting up this new shop been different from your previous Strange Days openings?
I guess having to share my ideas and get approval from another business partner is something new for me. Thankfully, they’ve been on board with everything I’ve thrown at them – if they hadn’t, I would have definitely struggled.
My visions and concepts are always so strong and clear, and I really like to do things that stay true and authentic. I feel I have been in this game too long to do an average job, so I really like to go above and beyond to bring ideas to life. To others it may feel over the top, but not in my eyes. I’m very visual person, hence why all my stores have been an explosion to the eye.
Nothing makes me happier than hearing people say they don’t know where to look, because there’s just so much to look at! I want folks to come in and stay a while, have a chat, embrace all my finds and maybe hear my stories on where they came from.
The Gold Coast is developing a strong love affair with second-hand and vintage shopping. Why do you think that is?
I think it’s finally (FINALLY!!!) being seen as not just a ‘trend’, but a lifestyle that many are happily and willingly ready to commit too. I’ve only been living here for five years but I’ve definitely seen a small shift in this short time. It’s great in my eyes. It’s almost like Gold Coasters are finally realising they can have their own sense of style and not run with the sheep and wear straight out of a catalogue. They are becoming more explorative the more they are exposed to all these smaller independent boutiques, whether they’re selling vintage or new designs. The fact that they are looking outside the chain store retailers is a positive move.
Do you have any tips for second-hand shopping, both for clothes and accessories and for vinyl?
For vintage…
- Be open minded and look more carefully at material and quality, as sizing is something that can always be altered.
- If you see something you like, buy it! Nothing haunts you like the vintage you didn’t buy.
- Shop with time on your hands. Most vintage stores and records stores are always packed with goodness. Being able to take your time to wander around and soak it all up means you will most probably find some hidden treasure that was meant for you – and only you.
For records…
- Buy to listen and buy what you like.
- Don’t get caught up on what you think is collectable.
