We’re very excited to announce that MetoaTee has become a #shopdarwen member, joining an enthusiastic community of unique independent shops and businesses in Darwen Town Centre.
Vintage Sportswear and Designer shop in Darwen Town Centre
This treasure trove of vintage sportswear and designer clothing is owned by Blackburnian, Tom Washington, who is truly passionate about Blackburn with Darwen, its history, subcultures and potential.
Tom has been interested in fashion and alternative communities for as long as he can remember, especially Casual subculture and Blackburn’s Acid House scene. His interest in clothes and what they can represent led Tom to begin buying and selling secondhand clothes on Depop as a teenager, unwittingly sparking a successful career in preloved fashion.
He then went on to study Graphic Design at Manchester Metropolitan University, before opening his first physical shop in Heatley’s Arcade in Blackburn in 2020. MetoaTee then moved to Prism Contemporary on Lord Street West, and finally relocated to 50 Market Street in Darwen Town Centre in May 2025.
A thoughtfully selected collection of preloved fashion
MetoaTee sells a carefully curated selection of secondhand sportswear and designer clothes, with brands such as Stone Island, C.P. Company and adidas Spezial. The shop is welcoming and thoughtfully arranged, so you can browse through t-shirts, outerwear, shoes and accessories with ease. Tom is committed to only selling authentic, quality, sought-after pieces.
MetoaTee: A vibrant member of Darwen’s independent retailer community
While the shop is active on social media, Tom doesn’t reserve anything online. Customers are encouraged to come down to the shop in person and to do so quickly, as stock doesn’t hang around for long! We think shopping in person is always a good idea, and seeing as MetoaTee is conveniently situated near several fellow #shopdarwen retailers, you can call in for your fresh fruit, veg and meat at Darwen Market, grab a coffee from 1617 Coffee House, and browse records at Tower Music all in one trip.
The relocation to Darwen is the latest milestone in several years of MetoaTee history
A key moment in the MetoaTee timeline was taking part in the adidas Spezial exhibition for the British Textile Biennial in 2019. This event was the beginning of Tom’s relationship with Darwen native and adidas Spezial legend, Gary Aspden, and it was the catalyst that led him to really believe in the potential of MetoaTee and how it fits into the local scene. It’s ultimately what gave Tom the confidence to open his first shop at Heatley’s Arcade.
Gary is also a big factor in why MetoaTee relocated to Darwen earlier this year. Tom collaborated with Cottontown Vintage to do a pop-up shop at MetoaTee’s new home, 50 Market Street, for the adidas Spezial DECADE exhibition in Darwen during May 2024. The success of the pop-up and the unique vibe of Darwen Town Centre inspired Tom to make the move to Market Street permanently. And Tom is dedicated to MetoaTee being a vibrant community space, and not “just a shop”.
A creative community space
The shop became a hub of creativity and music during this year’s Darwen Live festival, with performances from local DJs, rappers and MCs. The space was buzzing with fashion and music lovers from all walks of life and of all ages, giving them somewhere to connect and socialise. Tom plans to host several more gatherings at MetoaTee in the upcoming months, be sure to follow the shop on social media to stay in the loop.
Be in with a chance of winning the #shopdarwen prize draw!
Now that MetoaTee is a #shopdarwen retailer, you will be eligible for an entry form to the prize draw when you spend £5 or over. Simply fill in your details and drop it into the post box located in Darwen Market for a chance to win £50 in Shop Darwen vouchers! The more you shop locally, the more chances you have to win as there’s no limit to how many entries you can submit, as long as each one is earned through supporting our local participating businesses.
Support MetoaTee in Darwen Town Centre
MetoaTee is open 11 till 6pm Wednesday – Saturday, and 12pm till 4pm on Sundays. You can find them at 50 Market Street in Darwen Town Centre, opposite fellow #shopdarwen member, Age UK Blackburn with Darwen.
Follow MetoaTee on Instagram and Facebook
Photo credits: Derren Lee Poole
