Urbana

By: Rosemary Martinez

This is not another story of a local business being pushed out by a big money company and losing to the game, but it could be. Instead, this is about Urbana, a unique shop specializing in men's clothing and accessories at outrageously discounted prices. Urbana, as the name suggests, carries urban gear with brand names like Phat Farm, Southpole, Johnny Blaze and Sean John. But don't let that fool you. Alongside these designer clothes are affordable price tags. Family owned and operated, the Kim family orders from distributors based mainly in New York and Los Angeles, the meccas of fashion.

Once located under a different name with slightly different merchandise, Urbana started out as a store called Surprises. At Surprises, you would find mainly jewelry and accessories. A patron suggested that clothing would be a welcome addition to the store and so the seed for Urbana was planted. Forced from their location by a large corporate drug store (Walgreens), Urbana was born. Situated now in a much larger building with more room for inventory, Urbana, with its oversized flannels, jeans and tees now resides on 1st and Stewart in downtown Seattle. They're the ones bumpin' the latest cuts that you can hear down the street. Not only do they have clothing that is so large it is likely to suit anyone big or small, Urbana has not let go of its beginnings and still carries blinding watches, earrings and necklaces.

Open only a little over a month now Urbana caters to those who crave the latest fashions, but who may not have the six-figure bankroll. They offer top quality name brand clothing and affordable lesser-known fashions without the mall attitude you might find at other retail stores. Customers here vary from big, small, black, white, male and female; just about anyone who likes looking good. Those who come usually become regulars. In fact, it is regulars that have followed from Surprises to Urbana that have prevented this new business from falling prey to the dangers of being, well, a new business. Urbana is also garnering the support of local artists and promoters, that to talk the talk and walk the walk they must have the look.

With ten years of experience under her belt as the owner of Surprises, Ms. Kim, not only knows how to run a business, but also how to cater to the needs of her clients. Which is what a store should be, how stores used to be. Customer input is not only valued, but incorporated into the business plan. From that, another client suggestion is in the making. Later this month, Urbana will be offering women's clothing including Baby Phat and ladies Southpole, in hopes of only becoming bigger and better.