Buffalo Rising Online

Nov 26th 2008, 3:58pm By queenseyes

A little over a week ago Positive Approach opened its doors on Elmwood (formerly Mix, then Stache and before that, room storefront). Needless to say I've been keeping my eye on this new shop for a number of reasons. The young people behind the idea are interesting characters. They're part of the bike community (mostly track bikes and fixed gear), they're members of bands, they're into the environment, they carry vintage clothing and custom apparel, and they're artists. Sounds like something right out of Queen Street in Toronto?

Due to the fact that the owners are connected with so many different creative groups, Positive Approach will certainly become a destination - especially since many of their clients/customers will arrive on bikes. The premise of the business is based on four different concepts that all tie into each other - positively positive, ridden, recycle and vintage. Each owner specializes in bringing a talent to the table. Joe Piehler (right) is a graphic designer and screen printer. Justin Howard (left) and Charlie Reinagel are screen printers. And Julia Gariepy takes care of all of the vintage apparel. Say you want something printed on your messenger bag or jacket? No problem. Want to order t-shirts for your band? Great. According to Joe, their screen printing prices are the lowest in the city so that non-profit organizations, bands and schools (for example) can afford to market themselves. These guys and gals are also going to start stocking some 100% fixed-gear accessory creations, like bar pads for example.

If you're into the fixed gear scene, the gang at Positive Approach wants you to know about Jerksgiving - a Buffalo Alley Crit (Urban Velo) road race that starts at the shop Saturday, November 29th @ 3pm. Registration is handled behind the Albright-Knox Gallery @ Hoyt Lake one hour before the race (2pm). U-lock pickup and trackstand twister. Racers need to bring lock/bag along with $6.50. Entrants also receive custom shirt and manifest spoke card.

Photo: The crew featured in the shop photo are members of the band 'Controversy' (find 'em on MySpace). If you're clued in to The Attic, then be sure to look for them playing out in December as well as releasing some new tracks.

*Side note: Wouldn't it be great if there was a bike rack somewhere on this block? It just goes to show that young people who bike, are also opening and supporting businesses in the city. Let's help this growth of young progressive urban culture any way that we can.