A flagship store in Woodstock for three of South Africa’s freshest streetwear brands
The Corner Store is a collaboration between three cutting-edge streetwear brands, Young and Lazy, 2BOP and Sol-Sol. Luke Doman, retail and brand manager, tells us more.
How did your business start?
Before there was Corner Store, there was Smith and Abrahams, a menswear store and outfitters that acted as the main retailer for Young and Lazy, 2BOP and Sol-Sol menswear. Unfortunately, Smith and Abrahams shut its doors in 2015 leaving the three local brands in need of a flagship retailer. Because the people behind the brands were well acquainted and already working in close proximity – Young and Lazy and 2BOP already shared the studio space above the store – we decided to collaborate on a new store and space.
Why did you choose Woodstock for your business?
Woodstock and its surrounds hold a special place in the history of clothing manufacturing in Cape Town, and still home to a number of fabric stores, CMTs (cut, make and trim) and various clothing-related businesses. This was important to the founders of 2BOP and Smith and Abrahams in initially setting up their space and workshop. Stimulating the regrowth of the local manufacturing industry has always been a part of their mission.
How did you find your premises?
We took over the Smith and Abrahams premises when it closed.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
We have two floors, a storefront with an upstairs area that extends above some of the other spaces alongside us. It’s really quite big with parts being rented out to our friends, design agency Chocolate Sauce. We have office space, and a production workshop right at the back. Since we can manufacture on site, the brands can take ideas from conception to retail without leaving the building. Renting out the extra space allows us to be surrounded by people with skill sets that aid in our process, as we aid theirs – we hope!
Who are your neighbours?
Flat Mountain, a really nice coffee shop; Stevenson and Goodman; Southern Guild; and Blank. We’re kind of surrounded by some really cool galleries.
What are the rentals/sales prices like in this area?
Prices are pretty reasonable, especially considering what’s currently going on in the CBD.
How many people go through your store each day?
I feel we’re pretty unique in that we have a really high conversion rate when it comes to people walking in and actually buying stuff. We focus a lot of energy on communicating online and we’ve managed to build quite an engaged following, so people are walking in for a reason. As far as general foot traffic goes, in the two years we’ve been here, I’d say it’s more than doubled, and tourists are everywhere during the season.
Do you operate online as well?
We do. You can shop online at cornerstorecapetown.myshopify.com.
What’s your most popular item?
It’s hard to say because we’re always putting new stuff out there, but probably short sleeve tees, most accessible, most variety and easiest to wear.
Corner Store
021 811 0519
Find them on Facebook.
Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Supplied
