Urban29 lost its space at 804 E. Lake in Minneapolis when the building burned after the murder of George Floyd. Owner Joyce Sanders of Longfellow opened a pop-up location at the Mall of America with 16 others affected by the Uprising, and then moved to a second level space on the south side. And as of July 1, 2022, she’s in a second storefront, this time in the new Neighborhood Development Center facility at University and Dale in St. Paul.
“It feels great,” said Sanders. “I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful for everything NDC has done. I hope I am an inspiration to others.”
A Minnesota native, Sanders grew up in Minneapolis. She was working as a banker when she decided to pursue an interest in fashion.
Earlier in her career, Sanders sold jewelry and accessories through private parties and at Sister Spokesman events, but she eventually got tired of traveling and hauling merchandise around. She managed a clothing store and liked it.
She decided she was ready to have her own store.
Prior to Urban29, Sanders was co-owner in another venture at 29th and Lake, but it wasn’t her dream store. More mom-and-pop, Sanders wanted to establish a store with the same professional feel as a Macy’s.
Urban 29 offers premium, luxury streetwear for all genders.
“I grew up in the Hip Hop generation,” said Sanders. “A lot of my clothing is attached to that culture.”
Trendsetting brands sold at U29 include Cookies, Sugar Hill, Streetz iz Watchin, George V, and Blac Leaf.
Being a part of the community is an important part of operating a business for Sanders. Prior to the start of the school year, U29 organized a backpack drive. A coat drive is in the planning stage.
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