STORE:Compound
CITY:Portland, OR
SINCE:Fall 1997
FOUNDED BY:Katsu Tanaka
BRANDS CARRIED:Nike + NSW, Stussy, Stussy Deluxe, Ransom, Fuct, 10 Deep, Huf, Crooks & Castles, Mishka, Acapulco Gold, Undrcrwn, Staple, Penfield, Undefeated, Gourmet, Supra, Converse + Varvatos, The Hundreds, Play Clothes, Rebel 8, Akomplice, G-Shock, Oakley, Meister.
WHY WE CO-SIGN: As it's virtually down the street from Beaverton Campus, it's no surprise that this toy store-turned-lifestyle spot offers a choice selection of products bearing the Swoosh. What really caught our attention about Compound, however, was the fact that in addition to offering apparel (premium streetwear brands), sneakers (more than just Nike), bags, design related publications, toys, and Japanese novelty items, the shop doubles as a gallery dedicated to showcasing works from unknown and established artists. And as art and street culture are intertwined on so many different levels—whether through artists-established brands, artist collaborations with labels, etc.— a space that can accommodate and promote both wins our respect.
Keep reading for an interview with store manager Colton Tong Rand as well as pics of the store...
Complex: What are some of the most popular items from the store?
Colton: Penfield anything kills it every season, Converse by John Varvatos Sprint Mids—both charocoal & bison colorways, Gourmet Dieci, SAG Life Air Force 1 roll-top backpack & large messengers, Stüssy Deluxe flannels, Nike X Parra Varsity Jacket, UNDRCRWN Space Jam Tee, Undefeated sweat pants, Ransom beanies, Oakley Frogskins, and the Medicom "Where The Wild Things Are" Vinyl Collection.
Complex: What aesthetics are you driving for in your store?
Colton: Since our store is such a diverse melting pot of Japanese and American pop culture it can really be overwhelming for the wide variety of customers we appeal to. We try to maintain a more homelike feel instead of your typical minimalistic/high end simple clean boutique look commonly seen nowadays. I admire other boutiques a great deal that hold and maintain that minimal/high end look, but we feel that this suits Portland better for what Compound is really about.
Complex: What sets your store apart from others like it?
Colton: Compound isn't just shoes, clothing and toys, we also run an art gallery on the second floor in which we showcase new art and artists every first Thursday of the month. We've had Dave White, Stash, Rockin' Jelly Bean, Katsuya Terada, and Kow Yokoyama in our gallery. We also have a mini library of mostly design-oriented books and magazines that aren't commonly found at local bookstores or zine stands. Last spring we created a section of the shop just for bags.
Complex: What is your favorite item in stock at the store?
Colton: Anything SAG Life—I don't ride fixies, though.
Complex: Who are your style icons?
Colton: White Pete AKA Pedro Blanco, no joke!
Complex: Are there any special projects or collaborations in the works for the near future?
Colton:There are collaborations in the works—unfortunately, it's nothing I can really discuss at the moment. The last collab we were apart of was the Adidas Consortium AZX Project and prior to that we've been lucky to be a part of four Nike collaborations, including the White Dunk Project with artist Ren Sakurai.
Complex: Any celebrities/editors/industry people that frequent the store?
Colton: Mark Parker (Nike) and John C. Jay (Weiden + Kennedy, Nike's ad agency).
Complex: What should people look forward to and get excited for in Spring 2010?
Colton: Copper Pennies and Quadici's.
• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLEX STYLE POSTS!
