Over 7,000 expected to visit the Obey sale today and tomorrow
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One of the most influential people of 2008 is a local artist named Shepard Fairey, best known this year for his iconic poster of president-elect Barack Obama. Fairey is also the brains behind Obey Giant, which publishes books and posters, and even has a clothing line.
Over the last few years, Obey has held sales in December in a warehouse in Santa Ana that has drawn long lines of mostly young people. But don’t call the events ‘sample sales,’ says Romeo Trinidad of Obey Clothing.
‘The sale is for THE PEOPLE that support us, and take the time to come out and see us. It’s more of a ‘if you’re willing to come out, wait in line, listen to music, plan and hang out with your friends for some clothes, we thank you!’ kind of attitude,’ said Trinidad, Obey’s international brand manager. ‘Ultimately we want to connect with the people that buy our [merchandise]. We’re a wholesaler, so retail interaction is few and far between.’
Maybe sample isn’t the right word to use since all the clothes are new -- most are in plastic bags -- and there are seemingly endless supplies of T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and jackets. But ‘sale’ is definitely apropos. Obey T-shirts regularly sell for between $25-$40 in boutiques up and down Melrose and other trendy hot spots, but at this event, tees are $10 each or five for $40. Jackets and sweaters that go for over $100 retail were being sold for $50 and $35 respectively. Hats $10 and wallets are $5.
The Obey Sale goes on at 3500 W. Carriage Dr., Santa Ana today until 6 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After the jump check out photos of the wide variety of goods including far more hats than last year -- and even cardigans and dresses.
-- photos and post by Tony Pierce