Ultimate Street - Interview

Amongst the big hitters in the game like UNDFT and Union etc there are a few small stores providing the same service without the ƒ_~hypeƒ_T. They offer the buyer a different alternative to the more well know stores out there. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a small store owner; Godfrey from Ultimate Street. He provides a great source of inspiration and insight into running a small but efficient online store. So take a look at what he has to say regarding business, Nike SB and Bape.

(Interview conducted by Tronics)

Hype Beast – Hi, whatƒ_Ts the weather like where you are?
Ultimate Street – I like the California winter. It’s not too cold.

HB – Introduce yourself, and tell us a little bit about your background before Ultimate-Street?
US – My name is Godfrey Tsang and I’m 28 years old, I was interested in collecting sneakers since 2002. I’ve collected around 120 pairs of rare shoes.

HB – When was Ultimate Street created? What was the idea behind it?
US – I created Ultimate Street on last summer vacation, I tried to put all my collection on the site to let other people know about these, but now it becomes one of my jobs.

HB – How much of your time is taken up by Ultimate-Street? Do you have a large team around you?
US – I spend approximately 8 – 10 hours on it, but 16 hours if busy. I work by myself now.

HB – Can you tell us a bit about how Ultimate-Street works, in terms of sourcing stock and promotions?
US – I check out all different website everyday to know what have been released or going to be, including Hype Beast. Also I’d like to read 2 or 3 trend magazine every week, then I’ll know what I am going to sell.

HB – So you donƒ_Tt have any special partnerships with the brands you carry?
US – I’m the surrogate of 3 different American brands, but I let all of them selling in my friend’s store.

HB – How do you promote some of the new stock you receive?
US – I will send Email to my members if the new stock in.

HB – The attention that Nike Dunk SBƒ_Ts and other limited edition sneakerƒ_Ts receive has been well publicised how do you feel it will develop in the future?
US – In my opinion, Nike releases less Limited Edition shoes now. All the SB shoes were only released in States before, but not actually the limited edition. But I’d like to see more collaboration on the Jordan range.

HB – Are there any plans to develop Ultimate-Street into a store?
US – I’m planning to launch a store in Asia at the end of this year.

HB – Being a small business, does of your inspiration come from the likes of Atmos and UNDFTD?
US – It comes from Union and Undefeated ;-).

HB – What brands are you really excited about in terms of street wear etc?
US ƒ_” Everything from A Bathing Ape and Neighborhood get me really excited.

HB – Lots of people will be reading this interview with the aspiration of having an on-line store, what advice can you give them in terms of starting up?
US – The supply of goods is the most important thing, also the cost.

HB – Can we expect any big thing to come from Ultimate-Street in the future?
US – I will produce my own clothing brand.

HB – So what do you think about Hype Beast?
US – Hype Beast becomes part of my life now; it’s good to see your guys having fresh news everyday.

HB – Last question, can I have the N.E.R.D Bapestaƒ_Ts for $100?
US – (Laughing) Nope……………………