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Who: Eugene Trace from Trace Apparel
What: Fresh Out of The Box - featuring young people doing interesting things

Eugene Park from Trace Apparel
www.tracecompany.ca

 

They're known around the Steel City as Trace, an apparel company created and inspired by people with a passion for skating and snowboarding. But soon, Trace will reach new heights - not only on the half pipe, but also across Canada.

Established in August 2007, the company presenting unique and otherwise unseen designs. Trace likes to play with retro influences, bright and funky colours, and random creative patterns.

The company is the brainchild of Eugene Park, who designed the first ever t-shirt with friend Nicole Delargie.

"Once that shirt started selling, we knew we couldn't stop there," recalls Eugene. Soon, Eugene began his business plan, and recruited two more close friends to make it all happen. "Chandni Khera was brought on the team to help with all the financing and budgeting," said Eugene. "Chandni's business background helped us with ideas I would have never thought of."

Soon after, Eugene began working with Brandon Shepherd, who took the company to a whole new level.

"Brandon started Team Trace, which sponsors snowboarders and skateboarders," said Eugene. "We sponser people based all over Canada, who often travel all over the world for competitions."

Notable competitions that Trace is involved with include the Burton World Tour, and the Grand Prix in Colorado. Eugene himself is responsible recruitment for Team Trace, which currently has seventeen members of skaters, surfers and snowboarders.

After completing his education at Sheridan in Marketing and Finance, Eugene was equipped to take on this business venture. However, some of his selling techniques have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

"I have sold clothing from the back of my car, at skateparks, and inside clubs," said Eugene. "Trace is everywhere."

With the winter season coming up, Trace promises to cater to people of all ages with their clothing. Trace is coming out with new hoodies, long sleeve shirts, tees and toques to keep their customers satisfied through the long, cold winter.

Eugene is open to suggestions as another means of keeping customers satisfied. "A lot of my clothing designs come from people's creative inputs and feedback. I couldn't thank my friends more for all the help they have given me."

Trace has taken on new designers over the years. Now, with their eyes and ears geared towards what the public wants, the company is continuing to ride on a wave of good luck and fresh ideas. "There's not much that Trace won't do," added Euqene. "We sponsor any event and we use our apparel to connect closely with the public."

Eugene says that the team at Trace hopes to kick the company up a few notches in the near future. Although Trace can be found at retailers in Toronto and Hamilton (Flat Spot - 220 King Street West - 905.527.7217 & soon at 170 King - 170 King St. West 289.389.1817), the journey isn't over yet. "We want to expand distribution across Canada, broaden branding, become available to more stores, more events, and sit back for the kick ass ride."

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