What's your Steez?
Church street threads

Rocky Orlando | staff writer
rorlando@smcvt.edu

Steez is a store on Church Sreet, Burlington, which specializes in high-end urban apparel ranging from denim to hoodies to T-shirts.  Just this year, the store moved to a new location, but plans on keeping true to the style (or steez).

Three years running, the store has sold vibrant colored shoes and fly apparel in an environment geared towards Burlington’s hip-hop fan base. The store was created as a joint effort after two long-time friends were brought together by their shared interest in hip-hop and art.

Right as one enters Steez, they are welcomed by a couch which sits below artwork. Larry Frisoli, photo

What exactly is your steez?

The word steez is defined by the store founders Kyle “Fattie Bee” Thompson and Jordan Boyea as, “someone’s unique style and ability to present themselves with skill.”

When the store opened in 2004, Steez was located on Main Street in downtown Burlington.  Originally, the owners chose to set up shop there because rent was cheaper. Once they had obtained initial capital, the co-owners decided to relocate to their current address at 104 Church St.

Being located on the second floor of Church Street is ideal, Thompson says.  The location helps avoid the window shoppers, who may not be interested in purchases as much as perusing the store.

 “First of all, here on the second floor we don’t get a ton of people who are just going to look around, mess things up, and not buy anything,” Thompson says.  “The way I see it, 90 percent of people walking down Church Street aren’t going to buy our products.”

The store has plans for expanding in the future; the owners say they are just waiting for the right opportunity.

The two owners share a common love for the art of style. Before the store opened, Boyea was interested in graphic design and Thompson was doing art work.  Thompson had been designing and making his own T-shirts before they decided to combine their artistic efforts and pursue careers in doing what they love, which, Boyea says, has turned out to be a profitable one thus far.

Thompson is also very involved in the music world. He used to be a DJ in a group known as “Belizhba” that toured around the world, which was live jazz fusion with a hip-hop style. Thompson still DJs at Club Metronome every Saturday.

Who wants some steez?

The counter at Steez is decorated accordingly. Larry Frisoli, photo

Steez targets a very specific clientele.

“We aren’t just a clothing store, we’re a lifestyle store,” Boyea says. “Most of the people out there wouldn’t recognize our brands.”

“We have a very small but loyal group of young adults who make up the base of our customers,” he says.

Jim Bedsty, an 18-year-old student at Champlain College, is one of the few who does recognize the brands.  Bedsy says he frequents the store to buy cloths and hang out. 

“I come to Steez not only for the great clothes but also because I feel at home in this store. I can stop by whenever and just talk to these guys,” Bedsty says.

The owners try to make good use of the small area they have to work with, by making sure that everything is meticulously in order at all times.  With all the merchandise and art at every turn, Bedsty says the store provides a unique atmosphere for its customers.

“It’s awesome just to chill on the couches, read a magazine and talk to people who share the same interests and styles as you,” Bedsty says.

Andrew Sullivan, of South Burlington, agrees that Steez is a great store for those who are looking for more than just clothes.

“I have a few buddies that shop there and they love it,” Sullivan says, “From what I’ve heard, the laid-back atmosphere puts people at ease.”

The artwork that fills the store’s walls sometimes draws as much attention as the clothing and merchandise.  Thompson displays his artwork at Steez, and many of the pieces for sale are his.

“We have some of his work in our apartment, and I’ve got to say, the stuff is awesome,” Sullivan says.

Along with artwork at every turn, shoes and hats are on display. Larry Frisoli, photo

Competition? Not a chance.

Located in Burlington, a city with more than its fair share of skate shops and stores geared toward the younger generation, one might think that Steez has a lot of competition. Boyea says that they don’t have much competition because of their outlook that Steez is all about uniqueness.

“Sure there are other stores that try to sell urban apparel, but they don’t last more than a couple months; we just kind of let them die out,” Boyea says. “We know that our customers aren’t going to leave us."

Familiar faces frequent the couch at Steez, along with the customary hip-hop music playing through the store and the featured art work.

The presence of the owners is one of the key aspects of the store.   Steez’ loyal customers grow familiar with the owners, providing a comfortable environment.

“It’s hard to find a store where you can chat with the owners for more than few minutes,” Sullivan says.

Steez makes an effort to set itself apart from the competition. Boyea adds that Sneaker Spot, an urban clothing shop just a few doors down, does not even pose a threat.

“We respect each other,” Boyea says. “They have things we don’t carry and vice versa.   It’s all about exclusiveness in this business. We try our best to appeal to the street culture."