RETAIL STOCKIST

This one’s brief because I only got into one or two stores, and they were the ones who reached out to me. It started with the local impact I’d made in Venice. My hats were popping up everywhere, to the point that new shops opening in the area saw an opportunity to cash in. They figured stocking my gear could bring in some profit—pretty obvious logic. One store, called Middle of Nowhere at the time, slid into my Instagram DMs asking if we could work out a deal. They were clearly on a tight budget, and the cost of producing a small batch of clothes didn’t add up for me—it was way too expensive for a shop like theirs. I didn’t have a wholesale program set up, but I ended up giving them what they wanted anyway, thinking, “Might as well.” At least the product would sit nicely in their store and maybe draw some eyes.

The funny thing is, when I visited to meet the owners for the first time, I couldn’t figure out why they wanted my stuff. Their vibe didn’t match WDSC’s aesthetic at all. They were all about organic, “art-based” pieces—very granola, in a charming way (no shade, they’re great people doing what they love)—but it felt like an odd fit for my brand. Still, I produced a few items for them: a handful of hoodies and a bunch of hats. They stocked them, and the hats sold, naturally. Having them displayed in their shop gave me a bit of traction. The hoodies, though? I’d bet they didn’t move a single one. I just can’t see it. Personally, I’ve never liked those hoodies—I can’t stand them. Online, people seemed into them, but in person, I think they realized “Wet Dreams” splashed across their chest wasn’t their vibe.

My takeaway from this early dabble in retail? Set up a clear structure for B2B deals and negotiate smartly. The key is finding an arrangement that makes sense for both sides—that’s how you land something solid.

Don’t settle for anything less than a solid deal, and don’t hesitate to walk away if it’s not right—seriously.