SCHOOL FRIENDS BUILD BRIDGE CITY CLOTHING
It’s not the extracurricular activity you would generally expect to see from two seniors in high school, but for Emmanuel Yusuf and Grayson Isley who decided to launch the clothing brand Bridge City Clothing Company four months ago, it’s a project they see lasting far into the future.
The idea was to create quality, affordable clothing for teens by teens, and so far people have really been responding to the idea — keeping the pair busy delivering orders during their school lunch breaks and into summer vacation.
Isley says they’ve been seeing so much interest in their initial launch of hoodies in a range of different colours that they have spent the summer planning the expansion of the brand into new colours and styles.
“We see a lot of excitement when we are delivering the orders,” Isley said.
“We’re going to have sweatshirts this fall too, and some toques with logos that are similar but different in a way, it will still be recognizable but it won’t be the same — we just want to change it up for our customers.”
Unfortunately while launching the brand the pair did have some trouble with people taking their idea seriously; having to switch printers because of low quality results and a refusal to listen to their instructions on where the logos should be placed.
“He just saw us as kids,” Yusuf said.
Luckily those problems are now behind them thanks to their partnership with Uno Printing Co. which is now taking care of their printing needs and also offering a retail space so customers can purchase the hoodies in person.
Because the brand is onlinebased, social media has become a major component of not only their marketing strategy but also as a place to see what ideas are working — because in the end it’s all about having feedback from their customers and making sure everyone is happy with their purchase.
“Our customers have to be satisfied,” Yusuf finished.
“That’s a big thing for us.”
BRIDGE CITY CLOTHING CO.
Owners: Grayson Isley and Emmanuel Yusuf Email: bridgecitycc@gmail.ca Website:
bridgecityclothingcompany.ca Check Facebook and Instagram
As Saskatoon gets ready for the start of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) first season next summer, the Saskatchewan Rattlers are already working to get their name out there and make their mark in the community.
Pamela Kenny, the administration manager of western operations for the CEBL, says the plan to open the Rattlers’ head office in the heart of Saskatoon was meant to get residents interested in the team while also providing a space where these future fans feel comfortable enough to come inside, check out the merchandise and talk all things Rattlers.
“We want to talk to the fans and get to know them,” she said.
“It’s very clear to see that Saskatoon and its surrounding areas love their sports teams and they really get behind them, so we believe that it’s the fans that will help make us successful.”
Though they haven’t yet opened the doors to the office space — that’s expected to happen in early October — Kenny said they are excited to start getting involved in the community and working with local charities who may be looking for sponsorships.
Kenny says the rosters of the league’s six teams, located in Edmonton, B.C.’s Fraser Valley, Guelph, Hamilton, Niagara and Saskatoon, will be filled with at least 75 per cent Canadian talent. She says the team will play a large role in connecting with the community and will be living in the city during the seasons — allowing them to get a feel for the city, all while fans get to know the players representing them on a national stage.
“We felt it was important to have the team in the community, out meeting people, giving back to the community and the economy and not just flying in and out for games,” Kenny explained. “I know that the feedback that we’ve been getting is that people are very excited to have a basketball team here, so we are just eager to put a friendly face forward.”
CEBL SASKATCHEWAN RATTLERS OFFICE
Address: 2 - 183 2nd Ave. S. Website: therattlers.ca Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Check Facebook and Instagram