Vintage Vibes: Meet The Man Who Sold the World

On the north end of the Ave, Danny Kohlenberg has been welcoming people to his world of vintage, retro, and antique finds in his shop, The Man Who Sold the World. While the shop is celebrating just two years in Seattle’s University District, its eclectic, fun, and curious vibes fit in seamlessly with the neighborhood, lending a sense of having been here for decades.

A lifelong salesman, opening up the shop was part of Danny’s dream to have a space to ruminate on some of his creative passions in woodworking and be a purveyor of unique and cool objects that tell a story—things that are fun and interesting to collect for your own home.

With a penchant for old tech—like a tabletop jukebox from a 50s diner—customers will come across things they’ve never seen before, or at least haven’t seen in a long time. In every corner of the shop, there’s something exciting to uncover, like humorous 90s bumper stickers, letterman’s jackets, vintage glassware, and a wide array of art and decor.

In just two short years, The Man Who Sold the World has cultivated a group of loyal repeat customers. Some even stop by just to visit Danny’s cat, Bella, who has her own sign on the door announcing her presence in the shop.

“With customers, you know, I love that you’re here,” says Danny. “And you’re my people if you’re here. It’s been fun to get to know regulars over time, like a family that always comes in for Mother’s Day for a really unique gift, because they’re just cool like that.”

We aspire to that level of coolness.

College students from the nearby University of Washington are also regulars, usually grabbing fun art for their walls, of which The Man Who Sold the World has an incredible assortment.

“People often think I travel the world and bring back things to sell, but most of my travel is really pretty local in sourcing things for the store.”

The name of the store itself was suggested by a friend and is a tip of the hat to the David Bowie song, which was later famously covered by Nirvana. When Danny first suggested “The Man Who Sold the World” as a name for the shop, his mom was hesitant. She thought the lyrics were too sad and that it didn’t reflect Danny himself. “She told me she was so concerned and that she didn’t want to burst my bubble but said, ‘you’ve come up with a horrible idea, Danny.’”

To her credit, Danny isn’t like the man in the song; he’s not someone you’d easily forget, nor would you ever consider him a sellout. But it’s a fun name all the same, drawing in music lovers on top of the usual crowd. And it didn’t take Danny long to start answering the phone with it. Authentic to the store, the name brings an added sense of fun.

Stop in and meet Danny or follow the store on Instagram (@__manwhosoldtheworld__), and find something that tells a story in your own home.

The Man Who Sold the World
5270 University Wy NE, Seattle
Wednesday 12–6 PM
Thursday 12–6 PM
Friday 2–8 PM
Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday 12–6 PM
Monday & Tuesday – Closed