TBC founder sets up shop on the internet

Mark Batista, half of the duo behind London streetwear show To Be Confirmed, has launched a new online retail venture after TBC was taken over by Idex Media.

Batista has set up online store www.whenwewerecasuals.com to cash in on the resurgence of 1970s and 1980s football casuals and terracewear. He plans launch a shop under the same name next year on London's Hackney Road.

Batista, who also co-founded sales agency Brand Progression, said there was a gap in the market for a store selling modern classics by brands such as Farah Vintage, Lyle & Scott, Adidas Originals and Fila Vintage, and that he aimed to create a one-stop shop for the largely untapped customer group. He said: "The product must be really traditional or a modern classic that will appeal to the lads."

The shop is scheduled to open on March 1 and will initially sell by appointment only. Batista added: "The shop is a bit of a self indulgence at the moment, but we are quietly confident it will be a success."

Pricing on the website starts at £10 for accessories, up to £375 for leather jackets. The site will also sell Batista's new own-label offering of the same name, with When We Were Casuals slogan T-shirts priced at £30. The T-shirts will remain exclusive to the website and store.
Brands on offer on the site for spring 08 will include the relaunched K-Way brand alongside New York-based lifestyle label Steven Alan, with limited-edition footwear from New Balance

Batista will remain as a consultant at TBC, alongside TBC co-founder Mark McCann, but the day-to-day running will be handled by organiser Idex Media, which has taken a majority stake in the show. Idex also runs discount trade event Off-Price Show.

The next edition of TBC will be on February 10-11 at The Old Truman Brewery, east London.