PUNK CULTURE PRESENTATION

TUKcic REVIEW

When I initially set out to do this task (in depth fashion retailer review), I was planning to revisit START womenswear boutique on Rivington Street, but when I went back there I came across a rather interesting little shop just over the road called TUKcic. From the outside you’d hardly notice this little hidden gem if it were not for the beaut manning the till by the window. Exposed brickwork sets the tone here, urban and fresh, no need for fancy décor and intimidating staff, it very much is what it is which, I feel, is part of its charm. The staff are very friendly and eager to help but don’t badger you or pressurise you into buying something, this gives the customer a relaxed, laid back shopping experience.

 On the floor there is worn, unpolished woodwork covering quite a small space, roughly 20ft in length and half that in width, this is filled with clothing, jewellery and accessories, artwork and also unusual home ware. The music playing is early 90’s hip-hop through to current underground dance music, which adds to the urban “Shoreditch hipster” vibe of the store.

The demographic of the shop is predominantly a young market, the early twenties to thirties, not necessarily wealthy group who strive for individuality without the hefty price tag, most of the clothing here is around the £50 mark with their most expensive item (a handmade, one of a kind dress) being sold at £240. The artwork being sold consists mainly of prints of contemporary street art and photography which is sold at around £30, making it accessible to all, and they also sell T-shirts with these (and similar) prints, which again suggests that their target market is the urban youth.

The store describes itself on its flyers as: “A retail environment showcasing talented designers, artists and photographers with all profits funding the community interest company TUK.” You won’t find any big names in this store, they are all about the up-and-coming, giving new talent a platform for their work to be seen, the jewellery and accessories were probably my favourite items in the store, contemporary hand painted stag’s head necklaces and vibrant felt bracelets, ranging through to the more outlandish leather collars and bulbous shaped necklaces made from thin strips of recycled rubber (a lot more beautiful and delicate than it sounds).

I would highly recommend this store to those on a budget (or even those with a bit more money) who would like to own an individual, contemporary piece without paying an excessive amount for it, in a relaxed, cool atmosphere. Well worth a visit.

Address: 47 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3QB

Tel: 0203 417 6335

Website: www.tukstore.org , www.facebook.com/tukstore , www.tukstore.tiumblr.com , @tuk.