Most of the world’s famous brands started out small.
The first Nike sneakers were sold out of a car trunk in Seattle. The Ralph Lauren Corporation began with a line of neckties that eventually found its way into Bloomingdale’s in New York City.
If Rockford native Marquez Beeks has his way, his line of Weekdays Social Club clothing will springboard from his downtown retail store to outlets across the country and beyond.
Beeks opened the Weekdays Social Club inside Spafford Square, 333 E. State St., last fall with his business partner, NBA star Fred VanVleet. It offers high-end sneakers and streetwear, including the Weekdays brand.
“We have other brands, but it’s going to be the primary brand that will be in there,” he said.
Once established locally, Beeks said he’d like to expand the clothing line to other cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Houston, where he’s primarily based these days, managing VanVleet’s business ventures while VanVleet plays for the Rockets.
“Being in a smaller city, it takes a little bit of time,” Beeks said. “But it’s been doing pretty good, and there’s been a lot of support. Every day I am thinking about marketing and new ideas.”