Missoula’s Mr. Higgins Vintage Shop Is Back and Funkier Than Ever

There is something very cool about when something that’s old is new again. Take a classic song, movie, or vintage clothing. 

For those that don’t know there was a time in Missoula when the “Hip Strip” wasn’t called the “Hip Strip”, a lot has changed since then. Businesses have come and gone and moved over the years.  

The Hip Strip Days

There were a couple businesses that my friends and I used to frequent in that neighborhood when we were in high school. Rockin’ Rudy’s was one of our favorite places to hang out and buy and sell our used cassettes. We didn’t have a lot of money back then so when we could, we would shop at Carlos’ One Night Stand and Mr. Higgins, both vintage clothing stores. 

Over the years we have seen Rockin’ Rudy’s move down the road to their current location at 237 Blaine Street. Both Carlos’ One Night Stand and Mr. Higgins have closed their doors. 

READ MORE: Great Options for Used and Secondhand Stores in Missoula

There is some good news for those looking for Mr. Higgins vintage clothes. After being closed since 2008, Mr. Higgins has reopened in a new location at 2020 Russell Street and it’s just as funky as I remember it, maybe even funkier.  

The Rise and Pause of Mr. Higgins    

Owner Barbara Dryden closed her Higgins Avenue location in 2008 to take care of her ailing mother. After her mother passed, she spent time searching for a new location, which she found on Russell Street. 

The new location, which was a house at one time, feels almost as vintage as the clothing for sale. When you walk in it’s like someone still lives there. Inside the kitchen you will find vintage dishes and kitchenware for sale. The bathroom, with its turquoise tub, is used as a changing room. 

READ MORE: New 'Hype and Vintage' Business Opens In Downtown Missoula

Dryden has a large collection of vintage clothing and costumes available. Mr. Higgins was open from 1981 to 2008 and during that time she collected a lot and now it’s for sale in her new store.