Side Hustle Series: Running a Vintage Clothing Store

Running a Vintage Clothing Store

It seems like 2019 just started, and we are already in June. Hopefully, the first few months of the year have been good for you. 2019 started slow, but we are on an uptick right now. If you need the motivation to keep going, you’re in luck. Today’s post is the next installment of my Side Hustle Series. This was an interview that I’d been looking forward to. I’ve known this brother since our days at Savannah State University.

Joshua McCray is the owner of Off The Wave. It is a streetwear and vintage clothing store located in Savannah, Georgia. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Joshua started his college experience at Savannah State University, graduating with a BA in Mass Communications with a minor in English Spring of 2008. Joshua also holds a master’s degree from Georgia Southern University in Professional Leadership and Communication that he received in the Spring of 2018. He is a husband and father of 2, a major sports fan, and an advocate for education and growth amongst young people.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I became an entrepreneur out of pure survival. I was stuck in an almost dead-end job with no growth. At the end of the day, I needed to figure out a way to stretch my income.

How did you come up with the idea for Off the Wave?

I had a few meetings with friends about four years ago and stressed that we didn’t have any stores dedicated to streetwear brands like Supreme and Bape. During a sit down watching the NBA playoffs, I came up with the name, and it’s been on ever since.

How long has the store been around?

We have been around for three years. We’ve had a physical location for two years.

What kind of items do you sell in the store?

Our store has streetwear brands that we resell, like Supreme, Bape, and Palace. We also have a vast curated vintage section and new and used sneakers.

Where is your physical store located, and what are the hours?

Currently, we are located at 404 E Bay Street in downtown Savannah. Our hours are T-F, 12 to 4, Saturday from 12-5, and Sunday from 12-4. We were previously located in Savannah Mall.

How difficult was it to find a store location?

Store locations have been almost a nightmare. Our first pop location was small but cool. Eventually, the building was bought and turned into luxury condos. In our next spot, we had logistic issues with our landlord. Then we had a spot at the Savannah Mall. It was cool for the time being, but we realized that malls were dying. That’s why we decided to go back downtown.

What would you tell anyone interested in starting a store?

It’s more work than fun. Starting, it was super fun, but within a year and a half, it became a real business. Also, be able to know the product you are selling and be passionate about it. You can’t fake something just for profit.

Is there anything that you would have done differently?

Knowing what I know now, I would not have invested so much in the store. The key is making money but saving some for slower months and later inventory.

Do you have any other business ventures out there?

Before Off The Wave, I ran a cleaning business with my family for seven years, which taught me much about the business side.

How can people get in contact with you?

I can be reached on IG at offthewave912. That’s the best place to find me as well as the store