7 Cleveland Makers Going Mobile
Let the boutiques come to you instead, with these mobile retail providers parked across Northeast Ohio.
by Julia Lombardo | Mar. 30, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Courtesy The Wandering Wardrobe, J. Lynne Photos, Courtesy Relic Clothing, Courtesy Dumpy Cutz Mobile Barbershop
Buses, trucks, trailers and vans are convenient vessels for tiny homes, party spaces and now — more than ever — mobile businesses. With the dynamic landscape of makers' markets and local business-centered events in Northeast Ohio, being on the go is the way to go. Keep an eye out for these mobile retailers next time you’re shopping around the city.
(Courtesy The Wandering Wardrobe)
The Wandering Wardrobe
In 2013, Caroline Dengel found herself in the thick of market mania, as organizations like the Cleveland Bazaar were rising in popularity. Already having a successful online clothing store, she was inspired to follow the people as they gravitated to these boutique events. “But I couldn’t decide on a neighborhood to set up shop,” she says. “The idea to open a mobile shop came from other mobile businesses I saw out in L.A. when I was visiting. It seemed like a simple solution.” Now, The Wandering Wardrobe is one of the most prominent fashion trucks in Northeast Ohio. Dengel’s neatly curated collection of secondhand clothing is elegant and stylish, tailored to shoppers of all ages and sizes. wanderingcle.com
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Wasted Words Book Nook
This bookworm’s paradise is a woman-owned mobile store offering more than 125 novels from the worlds of fantasy, romance and fiction, in addition to bookmarks, candles, mugs and more. Coming early summer, the brand will transform into Ash & Vale as its brick-and-mortar bookshop opens in New London. But you can still find the bus all around Greater Cleveland for book fairs and collaborative events with local coffee and cocktail vendors. instagram.com/wastedwordsbooknook
(Courtesy Dumpy Cutz Mobile Barbershop)
Dumpy Cutz Mobile Barbershop
Dorian "Dump" Porter’s van is a vibe, decked with retro decor for an authentic barbershop experience. He’s highly acclaimed across all of Greater Cleveland for his “cutz” and “fadez.” instagram.com/feedmecutz
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Ruffle & Rose Boutique on Wheels
Since 2023, Carrie Anker Silver’s passion for shopping small has shined through her personal UPS truck, which has turned into a flashy, contemporary clothing store. You’ll forget you're on wheels as the interior mimics brick-and-mortar boutiques across the city, offering an abundant collection of the trendiest garments, accessories and jewelry. Find the truck at events across Northeast Ohio, or book it at home for a personal shopping spree. ruffleandrosebow.com
(Courtesy J. Lynne Photos)
Retro Roamer Photo Booth
Tessa Puruczky aims to capture a memory — not just a moment. This inspired the timeless, nostalgic design behind her mobile photo booth, available for weddings, parties and private events. “There’s something special about traveling in a retro camper,” Puruczky says. “It's a nod to the past with a sense of adventure that people love.” More than a camera, the camper provides a backdrop for themes of all kinds of photoshoots: disco, rustic and beyond. retroroamerphotobooth.com
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Polished Lifestyle Nail Salon On Wheels
Manicures, pedicures and other skincare treatments all fit under the roof of this truck. The mobile salon serves all areas within 30 miles of Downtown Cleveland for parties and individual services, equipped with comfortable seating and entertainment for a truly relaxing experience. everydaypolished.com
(Courtesy Relic Clothing)
Relic Clothing
Bigger and better has defined Reinaldo Contreras III’s mobile business in 2025. A recent upgrade to a larger camper leaves more room for groovy decor and ’70s-inspired vintage clothing — the core of Relic’s brand. Inside the shop, you’ll find nostalgic patterns and iconic logos stamped across jerseys, posters and other memorabilia. “It's built to take you back to your old days when you were a kid or a teenager," Contreras said in a recent interview with Cleveland Magazine. “It's built to bring those nostalgic feelings back to you.” facebook.com/RelicClothing3
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Julia Lombardo
Julia Lombardo is the editor of Cleveland Magazine’s home and style section and contributes to coverage of arts, culture and dining. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with an English degree. As both a journalist and poet, she is inspired by stories with creative flair. When she puts down the pen, she enjoys going to concerts, ranking coffee shops and walking aimlessly through wooded trails.
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