Shirtzenpantz!
I wanted to take a minute to introduce you to Shirtzenpantz, who opened earlier this year in Hillsdale and quickly built a viral following for Christosphere. Their quirky creativity, transparency, and community-minded energy behind Ethan and Owen have taken Portland’s resale sceneby storm. What they’ve created, and how fast they’ve done it, is inspiring!
Their Hillsdale location turned into a hidden gem overnight. Every time I visit, I find something great; my favorite laptop bag came from there, our new store stools came from there, and my husband’s go-to travel windbreaker, all under for under $20. Their playful approach to marketing and community has made them stand out, and now their new location in St. Johns feels extra special. It’s in the same building where Consign Couture first opened, so seeing that space full of fresh creative energy again feels full-circle.
At their friends-and-family night opening, their grandmother Juanita walked me into a room she designed called The Salmon Room, and told me it had always been her dream to create an installation like that. That moment said everything about the kind of roots and heart this business is built on.
We also wanted to let some of our original North Portland customers know that Shirtzenpantz is hosting a Fall Festival this Saturday from 11 AM – 8 PM. If it’s anything like their past events, it’s going to be a blast, full of creativity, connection, and great finds.
I can’t wait to keep cheering them on and learning from the joy and intention they’re bringing to Portland’s resale community.
Get To Know Owen Gail,
Shirtzenpants
What’s your name and what do you do in life?
My name is Owen and I founded Shirtzenpantz. I’ve been reselling clothes since junior year of highschool; but after graduating college with a degree in business and economics decided to pedal used clothes full time. One year later, we have just opened our second store.
What are some of the problems/challenges in this industry, and how are you working to right them?
Clothing in general: People, especially younger are buying more and more fast fashion, but at the same time, used clothing is on the rise. Two ends of the spectrum in terms of sustainability, but they address a similar need. People want to be able to consume, at reasonable prices.
This leads to Companies like SHEIN with terrible (environmental sustainability wise) business practices, growing immensely. But at the same time the demand for used clothing is at an all time high, which can lead to lazyness in stores. Like poor curation paired with unaffordable prices. At Shirtzenpantz we strive to provide a top tier customer experience, with fun promotion, affordable prices, and a strong curation.
Tell us about Shirtzenpantz – what is it? How did you get started, and why?
Shirtzenpantz is a resale store, we opened our first store in late March. I started it because I was out growing my home setup selling online on poshmark, and didn’t like the shipping and listing that came with online. Plus after a few months I felt to continue growing I needed to change something, so I thought a thrift store would be great. Then I asked my brother to come up with a name, and after we talked through many options, we settled on shirtzenpantz. No we don’t just sell shirts and pants, we actually have a wide variety of things in store, the idea is that a whole family can come in teen kids, mom, dad, grandparents, and there would be something for all of them. We don’t just do vintage clothes, or men’s clothes, we have an organized mix of vintage, modern, athletic, etc.
What are you currently looking for and how does your buy, sell trade work?
Were looking for more fall items, sweaters, long sleeves, pants, etc, but accept most seasons year round. Whats more important is the style and brand. We do a variety of brands, at different price points from Gap to Gucci.
How buy sell trade works:
We will value your items at what we’d sell them at, and offer you 25% cash or 60% store credit and pay upfront.
Usually there is an employee who can look through the clothes immediately and you can shop around for 10 minutes. But sometimes the employee working isn’t yet trained on how to buy, so we will take your name and number and get back to you within 24 hours. But if you want someone to look it it immediately, just text us at 5038559926 and we can plan a time.
You’re making a Portland “must see” list: what’s on it?
- Christosphere
- Portland Timbers or Thorns game
- Japanese garden
- The waterfront
What are three small business that you love?
- PDX Coffee Club
- Broder
- Mama Chio
x Owen
Photos from Consign Couture in original space, 14 years ago.
