By John McCracken
Correspondent
DE PERE – Sibling rivalries are not getting in the way of contemporary apparel as four brothers open a clothing store, One of One Gallery, in downtown De Pere.
The store, located at 365 Main Ave., Unit A, opened in April and specializes in vintage apparel, modern streetwear brands, exclusive sneakers and offerings from local artists.
Co-owner and oldest brother, Abimael De Jesus Martinez said all four siblings (Eric, Eduardo, Hector and himself) have been heavily involved in the worlds of sneakers, art and apparel, but the opening was a big leap.
“It’s our first time owning a business and having a brick and mortar, and our first time actually selling our own products to people,” De Jesus Martinez said.
When it comes to working together, he said the experience has had its ups and downs but has been rewarding.
“We have obviously been experiencing spending time together all the time,” he said. “But once you’re owning a business, it’s different.”
De Jesus Martinez said the business was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, as he was laid off from a program development role in early 2020.
“When the pandemic hit, we did have more time to focus on (the business) and do more research on the market,” he said.
The gallery isn’t alone in Brown County as a business that tried something new in the wake of the pandemic.
However, its inventory stands out as an eclectic mix of vintage sports merchandise, premium sneakers, wares from cultural touchstones like “Stars Wars,” various anime and “The X-Files,” alongside contemporary streetwear brands.
In addition to these items, paintings, handmade earrings and other accessories made by local artists are available at One of One Gallery.
“Even if there’s no purchase made we just want our customers to have a different shopping experience with them and hopefully learn something out with all the artwork that we have in here,” De Jesus Martinez said.
The gallery has slowly started to offer events and gallery showings and he said the storefront will hopefully have monthly events onsite or at expositions across the region.
To see what One of One offers, CLICK HERE.
One of One Gallery is also a part of the upcoming Downtown De Pere Art Walk which takes place from 4-8 p.m. July 9 and Aug. 13.
Shoppers can visit 20 venues across De Pere’s downtown and browse more than 40 artists and makers showcasing their work during this event.