The fashion world has had its own fair share of hurdles the past couple months because of the coronavirus. Many of your favorite streetwear designers and boutiques operate independently, therefore they will have a hard time affording the rent costs during this period. Many of them have closed their stores and are struggling to produce product to sell because various factories across the world are on hiatus.
Some outlets like Union Los Angeles and Notre have pivoted to online sales for the time being to make ends meet and not hold onto inventory. Sweden's Très Bien has taken a rather unique approach, keeping its two locations open virtually through Zoom meetings. Others like John Elliott and Awake NY have decided to hold sales and donate partial proceeds to local organizations aiding in relief of the ongoing crisis.
While we understand not everyone might have the means or desire to purchase new clothes right now, supporting independent and small businesses will be crucial for many of them to survive this rough patch. Anything helps, and without it the streetwear landscape has the potential to look drastically different when this is all said and done.
From web store discounts to special product launches, here is how some of your favorite brands and boutiques have responded to the COVID-19 crisis. Make sure to check back for updates to the list as we all continue to stay inside and monitor the situation.
Union Los Angeles
Code: UNIONSHOP25 at checkout
With Chris Gibbs at the helm, Union Los Angeles is one of the best-curated boutiques in the country. The shop is currently offering 25-percent off select regularly priced merchandise including pieces from Alyx, Comme des Garçons, Fear of God, and more.
Notre
Code: APR30
Located in Chicago, Notre offers a solid assortment of streetwear and luxury brands to choose from. Take advantage of this chance to get 30-percent off of everything from OGs like Stüssy to Needles and Visvim.
Need Supply Co.
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Need Supply Co.'s brick-and-mortar presence is located in a rather unorthodox city, Richmond, Virginia, but is home to an impressive list of brands that we all certainly are familiar with. The entire web store is currently on a 25-percent off markdown and includes everything from John Elliott and Levi's Vintage to an array of home goods to spruce up the house or apartment you have been spending all of your days in lately.
John Elliott
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Since March 18, John Elliott has enacted the "Mainline for the Frontline" initiative via its online store. Products from the brand's Mainline collection are 25 percent off. And 10 percent of all sales from this promotion are being donated to UCLA Health to aid a local area hospital in the brand's home of Los Angeles. The money raised will be in addition to a $10,000 donation that John Elliott has already made to UCLA Health.
Très Bien
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Très Bien isn't currently offering any sales, but the Swedish boutique is coping with COVID-19 in a rather unique way. Zoom has been a video call service that many companies and schools are relying on for communication during self-isolation. Très Bien is using Zoom to allow shoppers to visit its Malmö and London locations virtually from Monday through Friday for sizing assistance, styling help, and any other general questions their staff may be able to answer.
Awake NY
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Angelo Baque's Awake NY doesn't have a flagship store, but the New York-based streetwear label is still combating quarantine in its own way. The brand's online store will kick off a 48 hour archive sale on Wednesday morning offering items from past seasons for 50 to 70 percent off. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The New York Immigration Coalition and Make the Road NY, two organizations aiding laid off undocumented workers.
Round Two Vintage
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Notorious for lacking an online marketplace to shop its selection of rare vintage goods, Round Two Vintage responded to store closures by officially launching a web store in late March. Since being unveiled, the site has been replenished frequently with a selection of curated goods from '90s Nike hoodies to rare bootleg rap T-shirts. Much like the actual storefronts though, shoppers will need to act quick. Round Two posts the new drops on Instagram each day and the more desirable items sell out with the quickness.
Ps & Qs
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An unfortunate side effect of the COVID-19 epidemic in the U.S. has been increased racism towards the Asian community due to the virus' Chinese origin. Ps and Qs, an Asian American-owned streetwear boutique in Philadelphia, has decided to respond to this issue with a special release. On April 8, the shop will be releasing a graphic T-shirt in collaboration with Philadelphia Suns, a local non-profit that has been very instrumental in fostering Chinatown and the rest of the city's Asian community since 1972. They are donating 25 percent of profits from this drop to the organization.
Peels.NYC
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Masks have become a luxury during these times, but shortages have prevented everyone from healthcare professionals to average citizens the ability to obtain them. New York-based skate label Peels.NYC did its part to try and curb the shortage by using excess materials to produce masks of its own. While not up to medical-grade standards, they were donated to The Bowery Mission, a homeless shelter.
Joe Freshgoods
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Chicago's Joe Freshgoods has had his hand in an assortment of brands from Fat Tiger Workshop to Don't Be Mad over the years. His latest, Community Goods, is his response to creating during this odd time. The temporary venture will see Joe partner with local creatives and brands to release limited edition product in the coming weeks in an effort to raise money for various foundations, charities, and other organizations aiding communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Snow Peak Archive Sale
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The high quality Japanese outerwear brand, Snow Peak, will host an archive sale until April 12. Discounts will go as far as 60 percent off on select items. This gear is perfect for brighter days in the future.
