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From the desk of Contributing Editor, Eli M. Getson–
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In the last few years we have been inundated by Washington and the media with news about the decline of “Main Street”. I have to admit I have never been to this mythical place. By the time I entered my consuming years, Main Street had long been shut down and all commerce was conducted at the rather impersonal confines of the local mall. I imagine this mythical Main Street was a place with unique shops and businesses, where you not only went to buy a few things but catch up on local events, meet friends, and could even say hello to a proprietor by name (bit different then trying to get Hunter or Missy to help you at Abercrombie). The customer mattered on Main Street; things were a little slower and had a lot more soul. It was the opposite of the poor service, disposable products, and hassle that defines today’s buying experience. I mean, I’m not for reckless consumerism, far from it– but shouldn’t buying something special for yourself be fun and painless?
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Worst Main Street, May 1951 –photo by Francis Miller
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The best way I can describe the Man Up pop up market that happened this past weekend is this– it’s part 1950’s trade association, part block party, part Hippie co-op (it is San Francisco after all), part European open-air market, and all punk rock garage band. Having been in the menswear industry for the last twenty years, I’ll admit– I’ve become a bit jaded. I thought what I would find were a bunch of hipsters, and I hate hipsters. What I found were serious business owners– whose passion for their product was infectious, and who are strongly dedicated to producing well-made products that last, and make ’em right here in the USA. I found a new business model that cuts-out the middle man and creates a deep loyalty between the consumer, brand, and owner/operator. I found business people who were generous, passionate, knowledgeable, and friendly. I think I found Main Street in the age of social media.
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The market was organized by an outfit that calls themselves the Durable Goods Concern— five guys who are out there with one mission: convert men to appreciate the old school style of yesteryear. I asked one of them what his goal was with Man Up, “Destroy Fashion” was his reply. The Durable Goods Concern cannot be troubled with something as trivial as “fashion”, the mission is bigger; promote small businesses that make and sell quality products and offer art, culture, and some unique color to the local community. Give these businesses a forum to meet and interact with their customers and have a little fun in the process. The guys are a bearded, inked, and well-dressed chamber of commerce. The business owners from AB Fits, Union Made, Chronicle Books, Pierrepont Hick, Paul’s Hat Works, Taylor Stitch, and Sui Generis (to name a few) are the modern version of the butcher, grocer, pharmacist, and candy shop owner who populated the mythic Main Street of old. Proud business owners and artisans who are creative, smart, hard working, and stand for MADE IN AMERICA.
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Tables by J. Rusten Furniture
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Paul’s Hat Works Booth
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sui GENERIS
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Man Up pop up market, San Francisco
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Todd Barket of Unionmade
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