Vintage Religion

Sad to see the store front go, but ordered online and was super pleased. Quick delivery, and keep getting compliments on my purse.

The name is deicving and may put off some of the atheists among us. Vintage Religion does have an eclectic mix of all religious cultures be it Christian or Buddha. But it all is filled with icons such as Frida and lots of Day of the Dead. Also many local artists are featured. Along with an interesting boneyard collection of taxidermy and creepy dolls. Reallys something for everyone. There are lots of contemporary. accessories and Lounge Fly gear. If you haven’t been check them out. Lots of fun window shopping to be had. Customer service is always friendly without be obtrusive.

BEST NORTH PARK SHOP EVER!!!
This place is as awesome as it gets! «Sugar Skull «everything, T-​Shirts, Frida Kahlo stuff, loungefly purses and wallets, in store classes, occasional estate sales. awesome jewelry, rosaries, crucifixes and lots of whimsical items.
It is hard to describe… so best go in yourself.
The best part, is that they are extremely interested in the community in which they inhabit and give back to North Park constantly!!!
When North Park was «Up and coming» we had a few businesses that were thought they were doing us a favor by moving in… like «Mercantile». OMG, they were the WORST! SO rude!
Now we businesses that give a damn, like Vintage Religion, Bottle Craft and Carnitas and SO many others!
Thanks for making North Park «The Hippest Neighborhood» in San Diego!

Nice Shop. Could spend my whole paycheck without any trouble!

VR is a real gem in San Diego. It’s a kitschy curio store that blends traditional religious symbolism with modern idols like skulls and Frida Kahlo. There are not many stores like this in San Diego that have such an ecclectic inventory: candles, jewelry, rosaries, creepy paper weights, cool Loungefly brand purses, and lots of Day of the Dead décor.
It’s a great store for a special occassion, such as a birthday or baptism, and they have items that would suit all ages and religions. It is sincere in the religious inventory, this is very important. The owner makes sure to incorporate items that are truly significant for the seriously devout, but would also be appreciated by that goth-​minded individual who wants to accessorize their killer wardrobe authentically.
But like most small businesses, it’s quite pricey. It the crux that I am faced with every time I visit, and I do love to check in often because it’s a museum-​like collective of symbols that I enjoy. But whenever I hype myself up to visit, thinking I’ll likely walk out with a flashy bag or something else, I am shot down by the prices. Even small itty bitty décor items are just way too much. I love the idea of supporting a small business but I just wish it was beneficial for both parties.
The good thing is that the owner will periodically have sales, mostly during Holiday weekends. I try to get to these sales as much as I can, but alas that adorable shirt or jewelry piece is not part of the sale.
But because I appreciate the owner’s dedication to the store and the fact that he cares about the items he sells I always try to walk out with a purchase, even if it’s just a small key-​chain or incense.

If you are looking for a truely unique gift or something for yourself, this is the place to go! Don’t let the name fool you; in addition to all the amazing religous items, there are plenty of other great items to chose from. The owner Philip is so friendly and helpful, he’s always ready to help you select a beautiful, special gift. The shop is so fun to browse through, It’s so fun to spend time checking out what new things have arrived since your last visit. This is a great little shop, locally owned by a great shopkeeper who works hard to keep his customers coming back!

Really like to come here to get the unusual items I often need for my unusual taste, and my girls too. The owner and employees are very cool and helpful. I had to make a t shirt exchange because the print was slanted, no problem got a Vintage Religion shirt instead, love it. Once again the other reviews say it all. Just go here and buy stuff.

Finally got off my butt and went in to check this place out. I am sure glad I did.
There is a good selection of neat, eccentric items that made for some fun Holiday shopping and I made out with plenty of gifts. The owner, Phillip was super helpful finding just the things I was looking for for each person on my list. I even took advantage of one of their «daily deals»! (and what an amazing deal it was)
All in all, a great experience and I definitely would recommend checking it out!

I have passed this store in the car hundreds of times and yesterday decided to park and go in. What a discovery! The manager and buyer Phillip greeted me and then said if I needed any help to let him know. He didn’t shadow me which I appreciated. He has great taste. He could be a buyer for any high end gift shop in the country. The store is a mixture of the unexpected, the strange, the eclectic — lots of religious items – some funny and some serious. Lots of things from Mexico with Day of the Dead theme. Lots of conversation pieces to add here and there in your house to make it unique. This place is first rate, not a junk shop. Clean as a whistle with a wonderful selection of greeting cards I have never seen anywhere else. Check it out and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It’s a visual treat.
BTW, I agree with Madre L and her comments regarding a downer comment made by Robert B about North Park. I bought a house in North Park 23 years ago and it was truly ghetto then, No one in their right mind needs to be walking anywhere at 10:30 at night unless they are looking for trouble. Keep your phobias to yourself and don’t blame Vintage Religion for your insecurities.

Damn, I love this store, I love everything about it and I especially love the customer service from everyone I’ve encountered while shopping there but most of all, I love the owner. His passion for the unique is evident in every corner of the store.
Our house is decorated with many of the beautiful items tha I’ve purchased in this wonderful store and they certainly add a touch of class to North Park that it didn’t have before. And bear in mind that they were there before the fancy grocery store next door and I hope they are there for a very long time.
As for the crack from Robert B. about the neighborhood not being safe. Um dude, no one in their right mind is going to be walking around in that part of North Park at 10:30 at night unless they are «working» or looking for trouble. I have lived in SD my entire life and remember when North Park was truly ghetto but now the surrounding neighborhoods are coming up nicely.
AND, since you are NOTgoing to be shopping at Vintage Religion at 10:30 at night, anyone who shops there during the regular store hours is golden. Bear in mind that you may pass by an occasional crack head or such but just keep walking and hold your purse like a weapon, at least I could use mine as a weapon.
Please don’t let the downer comments from any unhappy folks who are color or anything phobic keep you from visiting this little gem! Support your local small businesses!

My Ma and I make a semi-​monthly pilgrimage to this store. Philip, the owner is awesome and very accommodating of his customers. He learns what they like and fills them in when new items are coming in.
The brands he carries may be more than what people want to pay but they are the same prices as they are at other stores. For example, most Loungefly purses are $ 65 unless they are on sale. I’ve got about 30 loungefly purses from many different stores and have all been priced similarly.
Also, he generously donated gift cards for a Breast Cancer fundraiser I was involved with in 2010 without hesitation. Very stand up guy. I wish North Park/​University Heights/​Hillcrest had more shop owners like Philip. Old school mentality who take the time to get to know their customers and go out of the way to ensure a great shopping experience!

Another cute store in North Park.
I came into Vintage Religion to return a t-​shirt I had gotten for Christmas but was the wrong size. The man working was very nice and said an exchange was no problem. He didn’t ask for a receipt but when one was shown he said it made the whole process way easier. I am now the proud owner of a pink shirt with a skull on it, I like.
So I came in, made the t-​shirt exchange but I couldn’t stop. The store has a variety of nick-​knacks that were fun to look at and would make excellent gifts. Since it was two days after Christmas I had no need to get presents for others, which just left myself to buy for. I looked through the candles, jewelry boxes, art, ornaments, and finally decided on little earrings. A package of 6 sets of small sized earrings cost $ 15, I think that is well priced. They are of roses, skulls, hearts and other similar designs in purple and black. Basically, they are my favorite gift that I bought myself for Christmas.
I am glad to have found an adorable little store in my hood.

This store was interesting. It featured clothing, jewelry, soaps, art, and all sorts of knick knacks. It’s definitely true to its title. Vintage Religion… There are a few gems to be had, so visiting this store is worth it, however it’s kinda funny how overpriced everything is yet there really is no middle ground in the quality or price; the items are either very low quality or they’re very expensive in value. No matter what, you’ll pay just a bit more than you’d expect too (unless the owners trying to get rid of something, then it’s priced about right). They’ve been in business for five years or so now. Nice, welcoming atmosphere and personnel. Happy hunting!

I love this store!
I have bought many things here, both for myself and as gifts for others. My favorite item is a four foot tall statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. I love her, she’s awesome! (she was also very reasonably priced)
I appreciate the care the owner takes in stocking the store, I always enjoy walking around and checking every thing out. I especially appreciate that there are always items made by local artists.
I have also special ordered items through the owner. He has gone out of his way to help me find just what I was looking for more than once.

Awesome shop! Great selection! Considerate, friendly owner who is there to help his customers find anything they are looking for.
Do not let reviews by tired old dull women in Phoenix give you the wrong idea about this place.

I absolutely love this place! I can always find something to buy whether it be an our lady of guadalupe apron or a day of the dead ashtray. They have classes for making rosaries, sugar skulls and alters. All in all this place kicks some serious ass. I mean they have a fuzzy jesus in there for christ sake. A FUZZY JESUS!

Was always slightly intrigued by the hearse parked out front of CVS.
Saw the Vintage Religion stand at Hillcrest Farmers Market, which displayed several of the items they sold — this sparked my interest even further.
Ventured inside Vintage Religion.
Countless novelty items, clothing, accessories, etc…
Numerous items with graphics of Dia de los Muertos as well as Frida
Kahlo.
Even noticed a container of Holy water.
Picked up a black VR tee shirt with a Dia de los Muertos screen print for $ 24. Novel, yet a tad pricey.
Will be back to check our more of their goods in the future.
I can imagine some of the products offered here would make great gifts.

Girlfriend and I are both recovering Catholics. Sometimes, we just sit around all evening trying to one-​up each other with horror stories from our years of parochial school education. At one time, Girlfriend wanted to be a nun. I wanted to be a priest. Now, we’re just in it for the wine and wafers.
Girlfriend ran across an ad for Vintage Religion in a throwaway paper. She insisted we check it out. After Onstar ran us around in circles for several miles, we found the place across the street from a CVS Pharmacy.
This tastefully put together shop has some pretty cool artifacts on display, and many of them took me on a trip down memory lane. They have religious medals of the various saints, prayer cards, statuary, crucifixes, and other items from many different religious faiths.
Yes, some of the items, like the Jesus action figure, would make Sister Bonita go all medieval on your knuckles with a metal ruler, but the store appears to be largely reverent and respectful, in my opinion.
Girlfriend bought some incense and a vintage religious medal of the Virgin Mary. The proprietor was very friendly and helpful. If you’re ever in that particular neighborhood, I recommend you check them out.

«Thou shalt not make thee any GRAVEN IMAGES, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth» — Deuteronomy 5:8
If you’re okay walking into a house full of idols, then you will love this place! I’m kidding of course.
I admit when I walked in, a part of me went back to the Old Testament and the TEN COMMANDMENTS… but other than that this is a cool spot!
Vintage Religion, as the other Unilocalers described well, is a great and artsy, upscale gift shop for all faiths. I say upscale to describe the atmosphere and selection… the prices are surprisingly reasonable! There are a couple of pieces here that are quite high in price; but for original works of art that are imported… what do you expect?
From incense to crucifixes, judaica to hinduism and catholicism and more! The owner runs the shop from what I could tell, and he is very nice. I always love when the owner is at their establishment.
If you’re looking for art or a nick-​knack or an apron… check this place out.
Marwan doesn’t lie.

No matter if you are Catholic, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu or devil worshiper alike… Vintage Religion is the perfect gift shop that caters to your inner faith. From jewelry, candles, incense, greeting cards or your Frida Kahlo idolatry, this shop has something for everyone. It is a shame it doesn’t have a better location because they deserve a lot more business than they get. I made some killer sugar skulls for the Day Of The Dead with molds bought from this shop. My incense supply is always well stocked thanks to their variety and selection. The variety of pricing ranges from the cheap to the not so cheap depending on what you get.
The owner of this place is amazingly helpful and NICE. I mean really nice and if you get a chance to peek at it, his amazing old skool hearse is usually parked out front. Boy knows his business and his cars.
I don’t have enough good things to say about this store, in the day and age where there is so much generic, scenester crap everywhere, Vintage Religion brings us back to our roots.