An assortment of fitted hats and graphic tees hang among pierced and tattooed mannequins in the front window of Art Apocalypse, signifying the new tenant of the Union Street tattoo parlor.
The co-founders of Campus Kicks,Vince Reeder, a 2008 graduate, David Hirsch, a 2011 graduate and Michael Laplaca, a senior, opened their first brick-and-mortar store Friday after renting the space from the tattoo parlor one month ago.
Since then, the trio has begun transforming the attic into what they believe is a venue for brand apparel and fitted caps not available anywhere else in Athens.
A small door on the right wall of the parlor, 16 W. Union St., leads customers up a narrow staircase. The attic has been transformed into a modern and hip shopping environment.
Beams crisscrossing the roof preserve the attic environment, while the black and white color palette creates an environment reminiscent of the classic feel of Athens and Campus Kicks’ contemporary offerings.
Campus Kicks was formerly run out of The Chop Shop, the barbershop at 20 S. Court St. ,but the founders decided that now was the time for the company to get its own digs
“We needed to expand,” Reeder said, “and decided this was the place to do it.”
Reeder said he heard about the space by just asking around town.
“We pretty much live in the middle of nowhere in a college town with nothing but college kids around us,” Reeder said in a previous Post article. “When I was a student, I thought it was a real hassle to drive home to Cincinnati just to buy what I liked.”
On top of funneling name brand apparel into the Athens fashion scene, the trio strives to apply discounts to the items by buying at a wholesale price and selling at as much of a discount as possible.
“Our business model is quality shoes and quality clothing at a price students can afford,” Hirsch said.
Concordant with his desire to help out the students of OU by giving them the latest fashion at the trendiest prices, Reeder emphasizes student involvement in his business model.
Customers who visit the store this week will receive a voucher for online discounts, further slashing Campus Kick’s low, student-friendly prices.
“They have a lot of cool stuff here,” said graduate student Trey Turney, who purchased a t-shirt and hat. “Good prices and good people. I enjoy what Vince does for Athens.”
sm366909@ohiou.edu
