Attention shoppers — a brand new vintage store has entered the chat. It is time to welcome a new nostalgic thrift and gift experience to Downtown Jersey City. The new women-owned and run storefront, Cranky Angel is located at 304 Newark Avenue. Owned and operated by Montana Fucci, this store promises to be something memorable for Jersey City shoppers. Read on for more about Montana and what patrons can expect at Cranky Angel.
How It Started
Founder and native New Jerseyean Montana Fucci has always been passionate about clothing and community. Even from a young age, she knew she would pursue a career in the field. She studied Costume Design at Montclair State and has been on an evolutionary journey pursuing her dreams.
Read More: A Guide to Vintage + Thrift Stores in Hudson County
Once upon a time, she was working at the beloved local store Another Man’s Treasure when she began spending more time in Jersey City. Montana fell in love with the energetic heartbeat of the community. In 2017 she began selling some of her vintage pieces on the side and was surprised by the high demand for her one-of-a-kind finds. Later in 2020, her business Cranky Angel became official after discovering her niche in the vintage market. After selling her pieces on Poshmark, Depop, and at the Jersey City Handmade Market on Grove Street, Montana expanded the business and even opened a small studio at Elevator JC for shopping appointments until things began to grow even more. Montana said “Everyone kept asking me if I had a storefront! So I knew when the right place came along I was going to do it.” She had been searching for over a year until the right space came into alignment with her vision.
The lively, all-day grand opening will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, and will be an exciting celebration to welcome Cranky Angel to Jersey City. Here’s the rundown:
- From 11AM-2PM, Paws 21 Art (whose work can be seen throughout Jersey City) will have live custom airbrushing. Paws 21 Art is also the talented artist behind the new Cranky Angel sign.
- From 2PM-5PM, local DJ “Nico” aka @nikosoffline will be filling the space with live beats.
- To close out the day from 6PM to “late” there will be a “Cranky Fashion Show” to display some of the store’s best merchandise.
Behind The Name
At first glance, the name “Cranky Angel” gives us a playful chuckle because at the end of the day… it’s relatable. The contradicting terms are easy to resonate with as we all have our moments that reflect these feelings. Montana says, the term Cranky Angel “comes from a place of knowing that you’re doing your best in life even when it’s hard”. It’s a reminder to come as you are. Montana says “Cranky Angel is a place to escape reality and treat yourself.” This is a safe place for all who walk through the doors. As Cranky Angel continues to grow, the store hopes to become a pillar of the Jersey City community and a space for other fashion lovers to gather.
What To Expect
If you grew up in the ’90s or 2000s chances are Cranky Angel is going to spark a deep feeling of nostalgia. The store was built on the pillars of playful energy, mesmerizing clothes, and ultra-femme flare. The nostalgia factor is what Montana wishes to evoke for her customers. When patrons walk into Cranky Angel, she wants them to remember their childhoods and the carefree joys of being a kid. The merchandise is playful and curious and provides a space for customers to play dress up, take a pause from everyday life, and find pieces that help them feel most like themselves. Cranky Angel is decked out with plenty of affordable finds, that allow customers to treat themselves without feeling guilty or breaking the bank.
Aside from a boatload of vintage treasures, Cranky Angel will also be a hub for several other fashionable endeavors. Montana says that the store will also be rolling out services in styling, tailoring, and customization such as rhinestone or stud application, and airbrushing. Cranky Angel will also be welcoming other members of the community to sell their personal clothing in-store. Stay tuned for more details as the store opens and officially rolls out these services.
See More: 13 Vintage Roadside Stops in New Jersey
Cranky Angel plans to be open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday 11AM-8PM. Be sure to follow along with Cranky Angel on Instagram for all of the latest finds, updates, and exciting announcements.
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