KICKING up a STORM

Withoutdoubt the youngest business owners in Paisley are teenagers Ben Miles and Jack Campbell, who bonded a few years ago over their love of trainers at a shoe release event.

Initially they operated out of their own homes, buying trainers online and waiting in the queue for releases of new items, but as their hobby turned into a growing business venture, the duo decided to take the leap and open their first retail store.

“We opened at the end of November last year in Paisley as we felt the town has a lot of potential to get back to its best,” said Ben. “All the locals seem to reminisce of what it once was and we’d like to be a part of the revival.

“For as far back as I can remember I've always had a passion for design of all types like architecture, graphic design and fashion so I believe that's what started my passion for footwear back in 2016/2017.

“Being able to wear a piece of footwear which has a story behind them and the process of how they came to be was probably what had me so fascinated.

“Not to mention only getting one or two pairs a year at the time - the anticipation of waiting for those had me that much more invested in them.”

Being able to wear a piece of footwear which has a story behind them and the process of how they came to be was probably what had me so fascinated.

“Feels like I’ve been obsessed with trainers forever,” added Jack, “But I really started to take them seriously in early 2017.

“I think trainers have grown so popular purely because of comfort.

“It definitely pre-dates us but I think as everyone moves further away from traditional clothing like tailoring and such, trainers and comfy clothing is everyone's go to now and the footwear we sell is an elevated version of trainers that can be worn every day but also for a smart occasion.” edition footwear with brands such as Air Jordans, Nike Dunks and Yeezys with166 unique products in these styles.

But what are our young entrepreneurs’ personal favourites?

“Definitely new balance 2002r protection pack rain cloud,” said Ben while for Jack “It has to be Nike air max 1/97

Sean Wotherspoon.”

And what’s trending in trainers this summer?

“The Nike Dunk low is a staple on our wall due to its popularity and just how easy they are to style/wear,” continued Jack.

“We have also seen recently a big resurgence of new balance so we can see them being a summer staple too.”

“We’ve had a few music artists visit us instore since we opened, both national and international names such as Ayr’s own Ewan McVicar, a DJ known world-wide,” said Ben.

“Ewan is a St Mirren fan so he was in before a game a month or two back.

“It sound cliche but probably the people are the best thing about having a physical store, you always get a good chat and a bit of patter when people come in.”