Stockist Profile: Stripe & Stripe MEN, Santa Cruz
Meet Suna Lock and Dana Norrell of Stripe & Stripe MEN. Together they’ve created ever changing, creative retail spaces in Santa Cruz, California. Stripe & Stripe MEN are known for being must go to spots for out-of-towners. Not only do they provide great hand picked products, but their creative group of professionals also offer complete design services. What more could you ask for, really?
Dana gave us the lowdown on their shop and where to go if you ever find yourself in Santa Cruz.
Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Cruz on Walnut Ave.
Tell us Stripe’s backstory: We began as an interior design company that wasn't being challenged creatively during the economic downfall. We had toyed with the idea of having a store and a new creative outlet. We wanted to focus on small designers and makers in order to create an offering just right for Santa Cruz. We opened Stripe in March 2009 and followed up with Stripe MEN in March 2012. We come up with a new direction each season, which includes repainting our back walls and redesigning our windows & displays. We sell a handpicked selection of clothing, gifts, jewelry, home decor, and accessories. We also offer complete design services and host local artists each month for the First Friday Art Tour.
What tunes are on regular rotation in your shop? Paul Simon, The National, The Avett Brothers, Oldies, and hits from the 90s.
What’s the best thing about doing business in your hood (or Santa Cruz if you want to be less specific)? We love being part of the community in Santa Cruz and working directly with such great people; whether it's helping our customers pick out gifts or supporting local artists and makers.
What’s another must-visit spot in your hood? The Boardwalk! A little taste of Santa Cruz history. We recommend riding The Giant Dipper, the oldest wooden roller coaster still in operation!
What’s your fave Bridge & Burn piece (and why)? I personally LOVE Bridge & Burn's classic jackets and shirts for women & men. Bridge & Burn's clean aesthetic fits into everyone's wardrobe flawlessly.
Describe your ideal Santa Cruz weekend: Wake up, have a warm cup of tea, take a jog, walk or surf along West Cliff Drive, grab an acai bowl from Samba Rock or brunch at Assembly. Maybe take an afternoon hike through Wilder Ranch followed by wine tasting on the West Side of town- and of course some shopping downtown at Stripe & Stripe MEN!
