 Hey, you. Yeah, you, hangin’ out all casual-like near the watercooler, waiting to dish about last night’s episode of Lost. If you really want to get people talking, you’ll sport a CleveLand That I Love T-shirt beneath that button-down.
“Every time I wear it, I get stopped by people wanting to know where I got it,” says Greg Vlosich, co-owner of GV Art + Design, one of several pro-hometown T-shirt companies sprouting up in Northeast Ohio.
“We’re just trying to promote Akron ... and show some of the creativity that exists in this town,” says Ed Gaffney Jr., owner of Akron’s Rubber City Clothing. A former analyst for a Wall Street investment bank, he believes pro-hometown T’s are the next big thing. And given that C.L.E. Clothing Co. is about to sell its 10,000th T-shirt, he may be right.
So what are you waiting for — the next episode of American Idol? That’s so last decade. — Miranda S. Miller
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Who
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C.L.E. Clothing Co.
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GV Art + Design
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Rubber City Clothing
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Rusty Waters Apparel
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Where
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Cleveland
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Cleveland |
Akron |
Cleveland, Youngstown,
Pittsburgh |
Why pro-hometown T-shirts?
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“There’s a resurgence in Cleveland — a food movement, an art movement — we kinda want to be a part of that,” says Kubinski.
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“To try and give back to the community,” says Greg, who wants to give a portion of the proceeds to charities and school art programs. |
“Location T-shirts run by small startup companies is going to be the next trend,” says Gaffney. |
“We wanted to add some local flavor [to our line],” says Chizmar. |
Your style
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“Fun, hip, trendy, but down-to-earth, and cute, if I can say that as a guy,” says Kubinski.
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“It relates to everybody,” says Greg. He’s gotten orders from DJs, rappers, skate shops, churches and community groups. |
“We’re not trying to be übercool.” |
“Different … experimental,” he says. “We always want to keep positive.” |
What should I buy if I want to wear what everyone else is wearing?
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C.L.E.’s Heart of It All. The V-neck was their first design and is available in three colors.
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The CleveLand That I Love shirt’s block letters make a bold statement. It’s available in three colors and hoodies. |
Akron Witnessed First.
“I think anybody that follows LeBron James and is from Akron should have one of those shirts.” |
“The I hearts with the anatomical heart and the skulls.” |
What’s next?
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“We weren’t really prepared for what happened last year. You’re probably gonna see our T-shirts in a lot more locations,” says Rees.
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“We’re trying to team up with local businesses. We have eight to 10 designs and other Cleveland products.” |
Detroit. “We want to go to other cities once we get a solid base here.” |
Hoodies and bags. “Getting our apparel in more stores.” |
How can we work your T-shirts into our office wardrobe?
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As an undershirt
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“No one’s going to say ‘no’ to positive Cleveland stuff.” |
Bags. “People can carry the spirit of Akron and Rubber City Clothing even if you’re not wearing one of our shirts.” |
“A T-shirt under a suit jacket always looks kinda classy.” |
How has social media helped your business?
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“We wouldn’t exist without it. Our marketing budget last year was $75. Twitter is an amazing thing,” says Rees.
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“Facebook and the Web site have helped out a lot. We’re still learning, but it’s starting to take off.” |
“Facebook builds an awareness … and allows us to go to market very quickly when we come out with new merchandise.” |
“We’re trying to use it for feedback on designs.” |
Famous sightings
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Lollapalooza in Chicago
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The Cleveland Browns
defense ordered the Browns shirt last year. |
“We’re the official
retailer for the Pretenders.” |
Cleveland native and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Chambers |