You wouldn’t think that a record store would one day evolve into two flourishing streetwear apparel locations. But the detailed interior of Foosh downtown on 104th Street and 102 Avenue shows the success of its original Whyte Avenue location — and it’s also beautifully enhanced by the rich mahogany-esque interior.
Foosh was founded in 1999 by Justin Der and Rob Clarke, and began as a record store that also happened to sell t-shirts. However, after noticing a decline in demand for vinyls, Foosh transformed into a complete apparel and footwear store. It characterizes itself as a streetwear apparel brand that plays around with the subcultures that encompass it. One of the owners of Foosh, Mac Doucette, details these subcultures as relating to music of various genres enveloping rap, hip-hop and electronic. Yet, Doucette emphasized that skate and surf culture “are inherent to streetwear.”
While the Whyte Avenue location has existed for over two decades, Doucette explains that the decision to bring Foosh downtown in December 2024 was because it was “enticing.”
“We wanted more than anything, to be kind of a catalyst to bring more people downtown, (and) hopefully bring more retail downtown,” says Doucette.
Though the shop is small, it contains a spacious wall full of shoes, a bench to try them on, and an eclectic selection of clothing.
The history and culture Foosh aims to amplify is endlessly rich — it’s all about streetwear and its roots in youth culture, along with the nature of rebelling against typical fashion norms.
From the outside it may seem daunting to step into, but Foosh is there for anyone looking to diversify their wardrobe to include carefully curated statement pieces.
Foosh
Downtown | 10150 104 Street NW, Edmonton
Strathcona | 10544 Whyte Ave NW, Edmonton | 780.491.6980
foosh.ca
