Over the weekend, we paid a visit to Fatlace, located in San Francisco’s Japan-town. This was my first visit and I was very pleased. I was expecting the store to be larger.  But it was small and simple. I like simple.

This year marks Fatlace’s 10th anniversary and those 10 years carry a rich history of Bay Area hip-hop and car culture, not to mention the owner’s passion with bikes and motorcycles. A decommissioned Honda motorcycle was raised on a platform in the center of the store. Two more bike frames stood behind the cashier counter.

But back to simple:  All their merchandise was featured on just three shelves.  What a pleasant surprise! There were t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and sweaters to showcase each design. Above those racks were hats and in the front were watches that also carry their own designs.

Upon first impression I thought, “how can a store so small be so popular?” The store is just a little larger than my bedroom and, compared to the typical clothing stores I visit this place didn’t seem like it had a whole lot of things for sale.

But that’s Fatlace’s key. Their designs change frequently and each design manufactured is a limited run. I’ve seen many of these releases sell out on their online store.

With folks I come across wearing Fatlace shirts and hats along with Fatlace stickers I see every now and then, the name’s out there. In addition to the online store and the San Francisco store, they also have two stores in Japan. Fatlace is an excellent successful business, starting out as a blog ten years ago and seeing what it’s become. I missed out on a good thing for a long time.