SUMMERSIDE – Robbie Carruthers and Sam Stavert want to revive vintage streetwear in Summerside.
Recently the pair opened Tuck N Roll Vintage clothing, which focuses on 1980s and 1990s trends, memorabilia, music and fashion.
“I lived away from the Island for a long time. In downtown Toronto you see this stuff all the time. I know we’re not in Toronto, but I hope it has the same impact in Summerside,” said Carruthers.
He began collecting vintage clothing and memorabilia about four years ago. It’s how the idea for the store began, he said.
The new business located in downtown Summerside, opened on Dec. 2 at 220 First Street.
“We chose to set up shop in Summerside because the city seems open to new businesses and opportunities developing. I think the downtown is changing and we wanted to be a part of that,” he added.
Tuck N Roll supplies vintage clothing, brand names, sports jerseys, select vinyl records and other items from that era.
“We’re different than regular stores. We’re not a giant thrift store that has a little bit of everything; we have a specific base of items.”
Carruthers is a comedy writer and worked in renovating buildings before opening the store.
“It was hard to work 16 hours days and then come home at night and write a script for a TV show. This allows me to run the store and, in between busy times, write comedy.”
Stavert works as an aesthetician while also running the store.
Carruthers continued, “We’re both really excited about the opportunities that will come with the business, especially the travelling. We go all over to find items which is really cool.”
He wants the new development in the community to serve as an example for others.
“I hope people, who want to open their own shop or start a business in Summerside, see that it’s possible, that the opportunity is here to grow and develop. To me, the downtown is wide open and ready for business.”
The business has already begun to develop a clientele base, and Carruthers thinks it will be an opportunity to work with other small businesses nearby.
“But seeing people excited about the things I like is really cool too.”
Three Fast Facts about Tuck N Roll Vintage Clothing:
–Located at 220 First Street, Summerside
–Facebook: www.facebook.com/tucknrollvintage
–Instagram: @tucknrollvintage
