We are not monkeying around here. Pocket Money Vintage, Benicia’s premier retro men’s wear and vintage goods store, is celebrating one year in town with a party featuring discounts and free bananas Sunday.

Pocket Monkey Vintage is the brainchild of Jay Brome, a collector who travels to vintage shows about five or six times a year. In 2017, he decided he would open up a business in Benicia.

“I saw that there was a real need for men’s vintage clothes,” he said.

Brome decided the small space in the black tile building at 623 First St. would be a good spot to open his shop. The space had previously been occupied by Elisa’s Closet, which moved across the street and became Elisa’s Cottage.

“I said, ‘I’ll take a chance, I’ll go for it,’” Brome said.

As Brome and his friend Matthew were watching a Golden State Warriors game, they had been brainstorming potential names for the store. Matthew had also been talking about owning a pocket monkey, a diminutive species of simian. Brome had liked the use of the word “pocket.”

“The store’s such a small space, it’s kind of like a pocket,” he said. “So Pocket Monkey Vintage was born.”

Brome said the store has been very successful, drawing a range of crowds from high schoolers to retired folks. Patrons can find everything from Hawaiian shirts to satin jackets to vintage band T-shirts and concert jackets. Brome also has a display consisting of men’s swimsuits from the 1920s to the 1980s as well as a tiki display for the summer. Other items of note include a Levi western silk shirt from the ‘40s and vintage milk bottles from Benicia Creamery and Souza’s Dairy.

“Benicia residents really like to see the Benicia history, so there are several items that are unique to Benicia,” Brome said.

Much of the items come from Brome’s collection and things he has picked up from estate sales, while others are brought to him.

“A lot of people bring me items now because they know my specialty,” he said. “I’m always on the hunt for good vintage clothes.”

Brome said even when people do not buy items, they still have fun flipping through the shirt racks and looking at the various goods available.

Pocket Monkey Vintage will celebrate one year of business with a special party on Sunday, July 1 during the store’s business hours. Customers will receive $1 off per item and be treated to free bananas.

Brome said the store renewed its lease and plans to continue operating out of its location. Moreover, he hopes to “continue offering unique service for customers.”

Pocket Monkey Vintage is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at 623 First St. For more information, visit http://pocketmonkeyvintage.business.site.