"Even though the vintage clothes I select are in good condition, the washing and repair work is still very heavy."

Luo is nevertheless proud of the unique items she sells, such as a handmade skirt from Mexico, a vintage kimono from Japan, and 1940s to 1950s pajamas from the US.

The dresses in Luo's store are priced from 200 to 5,000 yuan ($32-800).

"To do this business, one needs to have an eye for beautiful things, " Luo says, adding it is difficult to predict what her customers - aged mainly 20 to 30 - will like.

Liu Rui, 34, opened a vintage jewelry store in Beijing, in July, and she hopes to start her online store in the near future after getting feedback from customers.

The store's name, Petit Wonder, suggests small but wonderful goods.

"I love the way she treats jewelry and the stories she tells about the items on Sina Weibo (micro-blogging service)," says 30-year-old Hou Xuezheng, a travel agent and one of Liu's customers.

Liu used to study in the United Kingdom and says vintage clothing gives her a warm, nostalgic feeling. "People there are so friendly and love to tell all kind of stories about their collections. It was the best of times and I will cherish the memories forever. It is also why I decided to open such a store."

Though Liu is optimistic about her business she worries about the market.

"The prices are getting higher and there are lots of unreliable dealers," she says. Liu says when she meets vintage jewelry dealers they often don't know the designer of the piece or when it was made.

vintage accessories. "It has a magical power that fascinates me. It is unique and different."