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Digger talked to Neil at 80s Casual Classics which has become
the largest store of its kind, offering 80s casual classic
clothing originals and relaunched designs from some of the
most well-known designers and brands.
Originally conceived as a shop
dedicated to Fila Vintage and Sergio Tacchini, it soon
developed into a more general 'celebration' of classic
eighties casual designs - headwear, clothing and footwear from
Adidas, Fila, Tacchini, Ellesse, Nike, Kickers, Farah,
Hummel and many others. Thus, these days all the key brands from the 80s are
represented and there are even original one-offs to be found.
Digger:
Please tell us about your background Neil.
Neil:
I was born in 1969 and I was a teenager in the 80s. I had captained my
football and rugby teams and always had to have the right
performance sportswear. At the time these were the best fashion items for
a young teenager. With a love affair of sports and icons, the early
80s being playboy tennis players like Bjorn Borg, John
Mcenroe and Jimmy Connors. The ultimate era of the sport
was 1980-83 and also the ultimate era of the casuals, the dressers,
soul boys, smoothies.
Digger: Can you please tell us more
about 80s Casual Classics and what’s on offer.
Neil:
The store came about with recognition of
a UK era when largely Italian brands inspired a group of young
men primarily known as casuals and sports casuals. Key tennis
sportswear brands like Fila , Ellesse, Sergio Tacchini were
big news in the 80s - premium brands that had a desire to own.
These were all relaunched in recent years. 80s Casual Classics
has become leaders in selling these brands
Digger: How has the business has developed into
what it is today?
Neil:
Enthusiasm, a lot of hard work, research,
nights up late on eBbay, employing mores staff, re-locating to a
more appropriate web area. We constantly communicate with our
brands and design ranges and make sure we have the best 80s retro
offer there could ever be.
Digger: You offer a large range of
quality items and brands for sale. How hard is it finding good
quality items and acquiring these classic brands?
Neil:
We had a whole load of 80s revival items
when films like The Business and The Firm were coming out. We
then delved into archives and had exclusive items solely made
by our company. We have a say in the quality - if we are not
happy it goes back.
Digger: The eighties has been very much in
vogue. Why do you think retro is so popular these days and
seemingly increasingly so with the newer generations?
Neil:
I think Retro is what is in vogue. This
can be 70s, 80s, or 90s. We feel the 80s having some shift
towards 90s and our strength is people who are 40+ who are happily reliving their
youth, a time in their life when they depended on clothing worn
by sports tennis celebrities.
Digger: And what does the 80s mean to
you and what are your personal 80s passions?
Neil:
The clothes meant more than anything and
to the day still do, going clubbing, getting out of school and
getting a job.
Digger: What items and brands tend to be
the most popular?
Neil:
Fila, Sergio Tacchini, Ellesse,
Adidas, Diadora, Puma, Lois, Kickers are all key brands for the
80s casual retro mix with much heritage. We have
tennis leanings so Polo Shirts and Track Tops are the real big
sellers. Closely followed by Track Pants and Tennis Shorts.
Digger: Who are your ‘typical’ customers, where
are your customers coming from and what customer
feedback/comments do you get?
Neil:
People adore the site who love retro and
have memories or visions of retro. This can be young people
looking back into culture with an interest in something new,
but mainly it's those that recall '81-'85 to be one of the best times
of their lives in music and fashion. 'THE CASUALS' - they were youths
back in this time so are now 39-45 years old. We have many customers
from all around the world.
Digger: What are the best and most
enjoyable aspects of running 80s Casual Classics?
Neil:
The staff are all a great bunch. I love
putting on all the 80s clothes that arrive, choosing just how
popular styles will be and seeing that the brand can meet supply.
We
are the biggest sellers in the world of so much, and things
like this fill you with pride to be involved.
Digger: What are your plans for 80s
Casual Classics in the future Neil?
Neil:
We are working on any retro revival
music links following bands etc. and being involved where we
can. We are releasing our own retro- inspired label to help
fill the gaps of all the classic items not being available.
80s Casual Classics - has
grown year on year to become the largest website store of
its kind. Over the past years we have aided the
development and re-launch of classics from Sergio
Tacchini, Fila, Ellesse and Diadora being instrumental in
new styles getting a release. We stock an extensive range
of Adidas originals and like all our brands try our best
to carry good levels of stocks on known classics. A great
deal of success has been our own passion for the period
and involvement in the revival with much support to key
era films (mentioned on our site.)
With a desire to help our customers we have become the
biggest single stockist in the uk for many of our brands.
UNLIKE MANY ON LINE RETAILERS WE ARE ON THE END OF THE
PHONE AND PROVIDE SIZE ADVICE from known chest size to
product pit to pit measures to make easy comparison to
styles already in your own wardrobe.
Polo Shirts, Track Tops, Trainers and Shoes, T Shirts,
Shorts, Chinos, Slacks, Cords and Jeans, Jackets and
Coats, Tracksuit Bottoms, Knitwear, Hooded Tops, Roll
Necks, Shirts and Smart Options, Caps and Bucket Hats,
Tracksuits, Bags, Retro Football Shirts, Gift Ideas, Other
Accessories
Brands and Styles:
Fila Vintage, Sergio Tacchini, Ellesse, Adidas Trainers,
Adidas Retro Clothing, Farah Vintage, 80s Casuals
T-Shirts, Peaceful Hooligan, Kickers Boots, Diadora
Trainers, Onitsuka Tiger, Hummel, Baracuta, Jakes
T-shirts, Umbro, Lois Jumbo Cords, Duck and Cover, Levis
®, Head Bags, Gabicci Vintage, Adidas London 2012,
Hawaiian Shirts, R-Shirts, Lacoste, Waffle Knits, Fila
Contempo, Robe di Kappa, Retro Football Shirts, Divine
Trash / Savant, New York Cosmos, Bjorn Borg Underwear,
Reebok Trainers, Nike Trainers, Slazenger Heritage
Email:
sales.planet@btconnect.com
Phone: 01234 851681
www:
80scasualclassics.co.uk |
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