Supreme is currently, the most popular NYC streetwear brand and arguably one of the most streetwear brands worldwide.
The brand opened it’s new Williamsburg location, which is Supreme’s second store in NYC. It’s also the third store in the U.S. and the eleventh worldwide. The opening party brought in a lot of people. Most of which were former and current employees. Even the managers for the other stores, domestic and international, were in attendance.
Besides NYC, there are also stores in Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Aside from online, these are the only physical retail locations where people can buy Supreme’s products. However, don’t expect Supreme stores to start popping up in every major city across the globe. According to founder, James Jebbia, the brand only opens stores when they feel it’s right. He expresses that there won’t be any “megastores” in Manhattan. The reason being that excessively opening stores would compromise the integrity of the brand.
Opening another store in NYC, seems right since Supreme is an NYC brand. The new store is only 3 miles from their original Lafayette Street location. The original store has become a landmark in the city and a hangout for the NYC skate community. Back in the 90s, when it first opened people would wander off the streets and hang out all day. Now the store is filled with customers every day, with a line wrapped around the block.
Outside analysists seem to think that the next store opening will take place in Asia. Supreme already has six stores in Japan, but none in China, Korea, or Hong Kong. These places have massive markets that could rake in a boatload of revenue.
James has also confirmed that the brand sold off a minority stake in the company to private equality giant the Carlyle Group. Sources have alleged that almost 50% percent of the business was sold for around $500 million, making Supreme worth approximately $1.1 billion; $1 billion in equity and $100 million in debt.
It’s safe to say that everyone expects to see great things from the brand in the future. This year alone it took part in several popular collaborations and has strategically leveraged its popularity to influence culture and bring in a ton of cash.
