Another boutique opts to move downtown with an expanded product line

When Allison Baker opened her Vault Collection in September 2021, she said it made a lot of sense to be at Lincoln Heights Village at Douglas and Oliver.

It’s right across the street from her Aspen Boutique, and Baker thought her antique home furnishing and furniture store would fit well in the College Hill area.

It has, but Baker has learned a lot along the way and decided that a more centralized downtown site — the former Uniquities space to be exact — makes even more sense for a number of reasons.

“We absolutely have loved being in this historic location in Wichita, but we found that the store is really a destination location.”

Baker said her customer base has ended up being throughout the Wichita region “and even elsewhere.”

She ships a lot of her products out of state, “which is kind of exciting.”

While out-of-state customers in particular say they like her price point on antiques compared to what they can find elsewhere nationally, Baker said she knows that same price point might keep some potential customers away.

“We do carry a higher-end price point of our antiques because they are so unusual and unique.”

With extra space that the new store will have, Baker said she’s going to offer new home decor at a variety of price points in addition to antique items.

It’s similar to the concept that Robyn Wells used to have with Uniquities.

“I personally loved that store,” Baker said.

She also likes that the Vault’s new site, which will be at 141 N. Rock Island, is immediately in front of the Old Town Farm & Art Market.

“We think the location . . . is going to be really fun,” Baker said. “Downtown is really having . . . an exciting moment right now with all of the new things happening down there.”

Another change with the move is Baker, who has a degree in real estate and construction management, will own her own space.

She said it’s “much more cost effective to own your own building,” and those are savings she can pass on to customers.

Baker plans to have the new space ready by April, if not March, in time for the opening of the farmers market.

The Vault will remain open in its current space until then, and Baker said she’s already started adding some of the new home decor where she is.

“There will be much more coming once we get the doors open to the new store.”

Currently, the Vault has a walk-through to Baker’s third store, Frank & Fido, which caters to men and man’s best friend. So what will happen with that store now that the Vault is moving?

“What I can tell you is there will be more to come regarding Frank & Fido, so stay tuned.”

She said the new Vault is about making the store accessible to everyone.

“There’s a sincere appreciation for the store in Wichita,” Baker said.

The new space will be “similar to Aspen Boutique where there is something for everyone.”

This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM.