Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Roth
Hi Jason, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Buying an antique shop wasn’t on my 2025 BINGO card, but when opportunity knocks, you answer! I recently left my position as an external affairs manager with a utility company, and as I was driving past one of my favorite antique shops, I saw a 50% STOREWIDE SALE sign out front. I walked in an inquired if they were closing, and as the owner told me that it was time for her to retire I lamented that it was one of my favorite stores, to which she replied “Maybe we’ll find someone to buy it.” I took a pause and then replied “lets talk about that.” A few weeks later I owned an antique shop.
Charting this new path made a lot of sense for someone who’s been thrifting since he was kid. I’ve always enjoyed the history objects carry with them, and talking to the people that hold those objects. I’m bringing all the energy and creativity I’ve developed in my nearly 20 year career spanning politics, policy and economic development and we have a lot of fun things in store for this space. But for now, I’m just proud to call myself a small business owner in the heart of Avondale.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve discovered that buying an operating business is a lot harder than just getting the keys to the front door. Once I got over the beg, borrow and steal phase of getting the capital to buy the business, we’ve mainly been focused on learning the systems and ensuring that the relationships the store had stayed intact. We have close to a hundred consignment vendors on the books, and keeping track of their inventory and proceeds is complicated, but we’re figuring it out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Castaways Vintage to Modern?
Castaways Vintage to Modern has been a family-run small business for close to 10 years and was originally opened by lifelong retailer Margo Torres. Eventually, Margo’s daughter Windy took over until she retired in February after selling the business to me, Jason Roth. It’s always had a great look and feel, but it’s time for a refresh, and we’ve got a lot of fun things in store in the coming year. In addition to continuing the core antique and collectibles inventory, we are focusing on building the largest vintage clothing selection in Jacksonville. With a “something for everyone” eye, we’ve brought in new vendors and collections and want to make it the go-to spot for vintage fashion.
In the coming months, we are also going to be converting a space in the shop to build out a music memorabilia and vinyl records store that will cater to musicians and music lovers alike. While you’ll still be able to appreciate more contemporary music in our space, the record store will feature deep track collections and hard to find items with a story behind them.
By the end of the year, we are also hoping to transition part of the shop into a small cafe featuring coffee, beer and wine. The synergy between the music store and the cafe will be seamless and we hope to create a space that people can gather and connect.
What does success mean to you?
I define success in the quality of relationships that one brings to the table. Good people with a positive intent tend to be successful because they aren’t alone in facing their challenges. After a nearly 20 year career in External Affairs doing policy and economic development work, I’ve had the fortune of developing some great relationships that I’m bringing into this new endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castawaysjax
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573156480708
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/castaways-vintage-to-modern
