Located at 317 West Main St, Collinsville, Illinois, Lou Belle and Bing brings a vibrant community hub to uptown Collinsville, uniting the best of local artisans and entrepreneurs. Founded by apparel design expert Afton Dusek, Lou Belle and Bing is home to over 30 vendors, each offering unique, handmade, and carefully curated products that highlight the creativity and spirit of the region with a vintage, retro appeal.
A Passion for Sustainability and Local Creativity
The journey to creating Lou Belle and Bing started with Afton Dusek’s deep-rooted passion for fashion and sustainability. With a background in apparel design from Portland, Oregon, and a career spanning the fashion industry in Chicago and St. Louis, Afton became increasingly aware of the waste generated by mass production. This realization fueled a desire to promote sustainable shopping and support local artisans featuring handmade local products.
From Online Success to a Vintage Brick-and-Mortar Wonderland
What began as a social media-based vintage and thrift business quickly evolved. Initially operating out of a small space behind Walmart on Wall Street, Lou Belle and Bing gained a loyal following through word-of-mouth and social media. The move to a larger location on Main Street was a leap of faith, but it allowed Afton to expand the vision, inviting other local entrepreneurs to join the venture. Today, Lou Belle and Bing is a bustling marketplace with around 36 local businesses under one roof.
Curating a Unique Shopping Experience – Handmade Products by Local Business Owners
One of the joys of visiting Lou Belle and Bing is the eclectic mix of products. From handmade candles and artisanal jewelry to repurposed vintage clothing and home decor, the shop is a treasure trove of local craftsmanship. Afton especially enjoys curating the space, selecting items that reflect the shop’s ethos of sustainability and creativity.
Supporting Local Businesses, Artists and Vendors
Lou Belle and Bing is more than a shop; it’s a collective that supports and promotes local businesses. Afton’s vision of creating a supportive community for small businesses in Collinsville is embodied in the store’s operations. Events like “First Thursday” on Main Street, inspired by similar initiatives in Portland, offer a monthly night out with special deals, refreshments, and a chance to discover new local products.
A Personal Touch
Every corner of Lou Belle and Bing tells a story. The shop’s name itself is a nostalgic nod to Afton Dusek’s childhood nicknames shared with her siblings. This personal touch extends to the products, many of which are crafted by Afton herself, including a new line of repurposed vintage quilted tops and patchwork items.
Looking Ahead
As Lou Belle and Bing continues to thrive, Afton envisions a future where Collinsville’s small business community grows stronger. In five years, Afton hopes to see more local shops flourish on Main Street, creating a vibrant and diverse shopping district that rivals the charm of larger cities.
Visit Lou Belle and Bing – Vintage Clothing Store and Boutique in Collinsville
Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious visitor, Lou Belle and Bing offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates the best of Collinsville’s local talent. Stop by to explore the ever-changing selection of handcrafted goods, support local entrepreneurs, and be part of a community that values sustainability and creativity.
For more information, visit Lou Belle and Bing in person at 317 West Main St, Collinsville, IL, or follow them on Instagram to stay updated on new arrivals and upcoming events.