Boone's latest downtown addition at 681 West King Street is taking a nostalgic trip back to the vibrant times of the '80s and '90s, when vintage hip-hop, basketball, stock car racing, and retro video games dominated pop culture. The dynamic father-son duo, Toby and Anson Lemley, are at the helm of this venture, infusing Appalachian State students and the broader community with a dose of retro charm through their collection of vintage tees, hoodies, name-brand sneakers, and more.
Their journey into the world of vintage fashion started when 18-year-old Anson developed a natural interest after watching fashion influencers on TikTok. Anson's discoveries in Goodwills and thrift stores, bringing home items that triggered a sense of nostalgia for his dad, Toby, became the catalyst for their business. Toby, appreciating the potential value of these vintage finds, suggested turning this passion into a shop.
In just two years, the Lemleys transitioned from an online store and pop-up markets to establishing physical stores in downtown Winston-Salem and downtown Boone. Anson's interest in vintage fashion became a bonding opportunity for father and son, reigniting Toby's own appreciation for the styles he wore during his youth.
Toby's personal collection of Michael Jordan memorabilia and T-shirts from iconic ad campaigns like R J Reynolds Tobacco Company's Joe Camel formed the foundation for their vintage inventory. Toby, graduating high school in 1999, found joy in unearthing items that resonated with the music, fashion, and culture of the '90s, particularly the influence of hip-hop and R&B artists like Tupac, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Lost Boyz, Mobb Deep, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, R Kelly, and Jodeci.
The '90s, a golden era for country music, NASCAR, WWE, and basketball, witnessed cultural peaks reflected in the vintage NBA culture. The T-shirts, hats, and hoodies of teams like the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets became iconic symbols.
Anson quickly adapted to identifying sellable vintage items, emphasizing aspects like single stitching, old tags, and superior quality. "Vintage is really every 20 years," Anson explains, citing movie shirts, cartoon graphics, Looney Tunes apparel, band tees, and Super Bowl tees as notable items. Opening Off The Rack provides customers with a curated selection of such treasures, eliminating the need for individual thrifting.
Stepping into Off The Rack immerses visitors in the store's unique ambiance, adorned with posters of Space Jam, Bruce Lee, and classic stock cars. The store exudes a hip-hop soundtrack, complemented by a lounge area featuring a TV replaying classic basketball games and connected to a SEGA Genesis.
For the Lemleys, Off The Rack is not just work—it's a passion. Toby emphasizes their love for the picking process and connecting with customers. Anson, with plans to attend the University of North Carolina business school in Wilmington, envisions expanding the Off The Rack legacy with a third store in downtown Wilmington.
The Lemleys' Off The Rack stands as more than a vintage clothing store; it's a cultural hub celebrating the nostalgia and enduring appeal of past eras.