Jersey City Review: The New Face of Retail


What started out as styling friends and family for fun has turned into a burgeoning business enticing clients from all over the United States. Tres, French for three, is part of a combination of words that describes the trio?s business philosophy. Trabbin (derived from ?Prappin?, which means urban hustle according to Flo) was added as a means to eliminate negative concerns associated with urban entrepreneurship without disregarding the ?hood.

After receiving myriad compliments on their personal style, Flo ?E.Z.? Jimenez along with cousin Kip ?Flizzy? Smith and friend Rasheed ?Jetsetter? George decided that vintage goods didn?t necessarily need to be sold out of a brick & mortar shop. In fact, it could be sold right out of Flo?s apartment on Jersey City?s Ocean Ave and it?s been a hit. Specializing in vintage track jackets, snap back caps and old retro jerseys, one can score varying pieces by simply making an appointment or checking them out online.

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ER: Where are you selling your goods?

Flo Jimenez: Online and out of my apartment on Ocean Ave. We?ve been extremely successful with Instagram and have over 2200+ followers. Sales are steadily climbing and we try to listen to what our customer base asks for without compromising on our approach, which is very different from the typical urban look. Your personal dress should never be dictated by your environment.

ER: What inspires you when selecting new merchandise?

FJ: The early 80s and 90s because you could wear whatever you wanted. It was more about a freestyle approach to fashion and color coordinating wasn?t as imposed. You just needed to have a Kangol and Gazelles and you were good to go. Rasheed gathers inspiration from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kip from Wu Tang Clan although we aren?t followers of celebrity or hip hop fashion. We like to be original.

ER: Are there any pieces you find more appealing than others?

FJ: It varies. Female clients love tops. A great top can go with anything. Multi-color patterns and prints like paisley and hounds tooth catch the eye. We focus on carrying anything you wouldn?t find at the mall. It?s important to be an individual and not compromise.

ER: What is your average price point?

FJ: Pricing varies because sometimes things are very rare. We?ve carried jerseys from former NBA players such as Scottie Pippin and retired Hall of Fame and fashion icon Dennis Rodman. Pricing these can be tricky and we research carefully so as not to jeopardize our relationships with clients by overcharging. You could get a men?s shirt for $20 though.
TrAbiNTreS ViNTAgE THreAdS