Ben Miller started Kwik Drip out of his college dorm in 2018. He thrifted clothes he loved, sold extras to friends, and saw a business model naturally take shape. Through Kwik Drip, Ben has built a loyal following and helps others find value in upcycled clothing. He put together a short list of curated thrift shops in the area worth checking out.
Kool Things
1310 Williamson St, Madison, WI
“Kool Things is practically in my backyard. I buy and sell vintage clothes with them, and always come across rare, affordable finds. Sometimes I grab gifts there. The energy is unbeatable, and everyone who works there is cool and down to chat. It’s a place you walk into and instantly feel at home.”
Vintage Threads
2160 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI
“Opened just this June, Vintage Threads is new to Atwood. It fits the neighborhood perfectly, with a classic 90s vibe that offers a deep, unique selection. It’s laid-back but full of character. I buy and sell there often, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite local spots.”
Vintage on State
132 State St, Madison, WI
“Vintage on State feels like a local staple. It’s cozy, familiar, and super welcoming. It’s the go-to for vintage Badger gear to stand out on game day. I’ll bring pieces to sell, and often find something for myself. It’s got something for everyone, like a Badger farmer’s market.”
University Coin and Jewelry
6801 University Ave Suite 130, Middleton, WI
“University Coin is where I offload gold and silver: rings, coins, and more. Their friendly staff makes the process easy with trustworthy and fair transactions. It has an old-school feel, and you never know what you’ll find. I’ve seen rare coins, estate jewelry, watches, even sneakers.”
Ben’s mission is simple: make recycled clothing cool and accessible. Readers can purchase curated goods from his website, kwikdrip.shop, or reach out directly to sell their cherished clothing. Ben buys everything from Badger gear and band tees to sportswear and denim. One local resident recently reached out after seeing him in Middleton City Lifestyle, and Ben ended up buying their Rose Bowl crewnecks and Moon Man band tees at a fair price. Another sold him their prized Grateful Dead collection.
While fast fashion can offer convenience, trendiness, and affordability, many shoppers are turning to upcycled brands like Kwik Drip. “I want people to see that you don’t have to sacrifice style to be sustainable,” Ben says. “There’s so much great clothing already out there, it just needs fresh eyes and a second life.”
Looking ahead, Ben is focused on growing Kwik Drip's brand while continuing to develop local connections. “It’s cool seeing how clothing can bring people together. I love being able to make it easy and fun to be part of something sustainable.”