It was interesting talking to Shaun at 'Wild' (Nottingham) the other week.  His 'generic Americana' vintage shop was pretty packed with students (mostly female) browsing his many hundreds of items. 
The shop itself has been going for years: since the 80s if memory serves me well.  Shaun shopped there as a kid.  So, somebody is buying something.  My own purchases over the years are no longer with me, but my old navy pea coat is in the possession of my putative son-in-law (who wouldn't know Ivy League if it fell into his lap or on top of him).  The student population of Nottingham is enormous and sooner or later most of them will find themselves within spitting distance of Hockley, so may be tempted into 'Wild'. 
The other week, first thing I saw as I walked through the door, on the left, was a rail of Pendleton shirts.  Transported me back instantly, to the time when I wore my Pendleton BD with Levis and Timberland boat shoes.  There are two floors of good entry-level kit - and it's being bought by the young.  Maybe some will opt to go further.  Maybe some will end up at Chiltern Street or buying vintage online.  The purchase of a board shirt could easily lead to another of loafers or desert boots.

Who knows where it might end?