Honeybee Vintage, a thriving vintage and antique shop in downtown Alton, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this March. The establishment is a winner of the 2023 Metro East Small Business Startup competition, sponsored by the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Since opening its doors, the business has rapidly grown into a beloved shopping destination, offering a unique blend of vintage and antique treasures, clothing, gifts, stationery, and handmade local art. This milestone comes on the heels of being named Business of the Year 2025 by Alton Main Street, a prestigious recognition of Honeybee Vintage’s impact on the local community.

Founded with the vision of bringing a modern and boutique-style experience to vintage shopping, Honeybee Vintage has redefined how customers engage with timeless collectibles. Nestled in a beautifully restored space with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, the shop attracts both loyal locals and visiting tourists alike.

“I wanted to create a space that felt both nostalgic and fresh, where people could discover unique pieces in an inviting atmosphere,” said Bland, owner of Honeybee Vintage. “Winning Business of the Year is an incredible honor, and it fuels our passion to continue growing and supporting the small business community in Alton.”

Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May is extremely proud of Honeybee Vintage and Bland’s hard work. “Melissa is very passionate and has brought a new vigor to the Alton community. The SBDC has been here to support her along the way, and it is exciting to see her flourish and impact the Riverbend area.” Prior to opening the shop, Bland competed in the 2023 Metro East Small Business Startup competition and was awarded the Woman-Owned Small Business Startup for the Metro East.

Beyond its own success, Honeybee Vintage serves as a launchpad for other small businesses. With 20 vendors showcasing their products in-store, the shop functions as a small business incubator, offering micro-businesses an opportunity to grow within a shared retail space.

One standout success story is Persnickety by Jen Farley, a vendor who began at Honeybee Vintage and recently expanded into her own storefront in downtown Alton. “Seeing businesses grow out of our space is truly rewarding,” Bland remarked. “In addition to offering unique products and a fantastic shopping experience, I want to encourage entrepreneurship and help to revitalize Alton’s downtown shopping district.  I was given my start at Country Meadows and The Alton Exchange, and, likewise, I’d like to encourage the new storefronts necessary for Alton to continue to attract visitors from around the region.”

To mark its first anniversary, Honeybee Vintage is planning in-store and online giveaways throughout the month of March, culminating in a celebration on Saturday, March 15. Customers are invited to join in the fun during this opportunity to browse new arrivals and connect with the incredible community that has supported the shop’s journey.

Additionally, the business is partnering with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIUE for a feature video highlighting its success story and the ongoing revitalization of Alton’s downtown district.  Bland cites the SBDC as a key supporter in launching the business, “I knew I would need particular expertise in starting a small business, and the SBDC offered assistance in the critical early stages, consulting on legal, accounting, and administrative requirements. They have continued to support throughout this first year, and it’s nice to know I have ready access to support as new challenges arise in this next phase of growth.”

Honeybee Vintage is located at 114 East Broadway, right in the heart of Alton’s historic downtown.

For more details on the anniversary event and to stay updated, follow Honeybee Vintage on social media: @honeybeevintagealton and shop online at www.honeybeevintagealton.com.

About the Illinois SBDC for The Metro East at SIUE
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE assists entrepreneurs and small business owners in the nine-county Metro East region. The SBDC provides free business counseling, training, and resources to support economic development in the community.

To learn more about how the SBDC can support your business, contact (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

PHOTO:  Honeybee Vintage in Alton