Michael Alan, one of the gurus behind Philadelphia's G*Mart -- a store based on a store in series of Bikini Bandit films -- answers Street's eight most pertinent questions about life, liberty and the pursuit of a cool wardrobe.
Can you tell me about Bikini Bandits' internet fame and the origins of Gyromart?
The Bikini Bandits were created by the brilliant Steven Grasse -- and they are all
about hot girls in hot cars raising lots of hot hell. G*mart was a fictional
store that the girls loved to steal from the most in the original short films.
Due to the huge success of the films on the internet, there was such a demand for
real G*marts that we had to open four real stores in 1999, for real.
What can you expect to see walking into G*mart for the first time?
About a year ago, we renovated the store into this Frenchy-brothel-down-by-the-pier
sort of place to showcase our other clothing line, Sailor Jerry. Sailor Jerry is
based on the original tattoo flash of artist Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins. He
tattooed throughout Japan and the US and is responsbile for making that traditional
tattoo style so popular. His stuff kicks ass.
What or who influences the original designs?
Our designs are produced by a very talented group of art directors and a secret
network of manufacturers strategically postitioned across the globe. I've already
told you too much.
What sort of brands does gyromart carry?
Right now, we are just stocking our own brands Sailor Jerry and G*mart.
Everything in the store is designed and produced by us.
I used to see shirts around campus that said PENN BITCH on them. What have
been some of your most popular items?
The Penn Bitch tee was very popular for obvious, obvious reasons. Most of our
Philadelphia inspired tees sell well in the city. "Philthy" still seems to be
very popular as well as one that has a Liberty Bell and reads: "Philadelphia-
You'll Love Our Crack" -- which is completely true. Just ask around, any bum will
tell you it's second to none.
All of our designs sell well outside of the city, especailly in Japan. The
Japanese love their Sailor Jerry and G*mart.
How would you describe your average customer?
Oh, we really don't have an average customer. We see all sorts of types through
this place -- rock stars, movie stars, foreign dignitaries, my mom, your mom --
really G*mart and Sailor Jerry is for everyone.
What are you wearing right now (*in sexy throaty voice*)?
This is a trick question, right? You expect me to fall for the sexy voice, and
say something cheesey like "nothing" and then this whole article gets flipped
right around and, all of a sudden it's this whole expose on how G*mart employees
don't even wear their own stuff. Please -- all day, everyday, it's Sailor Jerry and
g*mart head to friggin' toe.
What's in the future for Gmart?
Total and utter world domination, duh.
G*mart
38 N. 3rd St.
(215)923-6980
www.gyromart.com
