Retail with a Heart

5 Pound Apparel gives a little every time its customers buy a little.

By Kaitlyn McConnell

THE SHOP:

	5# Apparel
	Locally owned shop featuring unique T-shirts, shoes, accessories & more. A charitable donation to Nepal Nutrition will be made for every 5 Pound Apparel branded item sold. 412 South Ave., Springfield, MO 417-368-6401
	»Website

5 Pount Apparel, open 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 10 a.m.– 8 p.m., Fri.–Sat.

ATMOSPHERE:
Hip, cool and slightly vintage. That might be your first impression of 5 Pound Apparel. The brick walls and hardwood floor hold merchandise that benefits charities around the world. There’s a flat screen television on the wall that constantly runs through a video montage, currently featuring the people of Nepal. There’s also a couch that’s perfect for a quick break—or maybe the perfect resting place while your significant other shops. “We have a lot of people who’ll come in with their kids and just lounge on the couch,” says co-owner Bryan Simpson.

KEY PEOPLE:
The store began out of Simpson’s dream to begin a business that was not only profitable but also philanthropic. He and his brother, Matt, began with a home-based screen-printing business. Last year, the business grew so much that they needed more space. At that point, the brothers and Bryan’s girlfriend, Bethany Forrester, opened up shop in downtown Springfield. You’ll see Forrester and Bryan working in the store throughout the week, while Matt sticks more to the online side of things.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:
5 Pound Apparel has its own line of T-shirts, which are hand-screened on site. The brand is now on its second line, and Simpson says that the goal is to release a new line every year.
The trio tries to keep prices affordable. Generally the store’s wares sell for less than $50, and 5 Pound Apparel’s T-shirts range from $20–28.
However, the business isn’t reaping all of that profit. From each shirt that’s purchased, $7.50 goes to purchase five pounds of fortified peanut butter treatment for kids in impoverished nations. The substance is given to kids to help combat malnutrition. In fact, for every four shirts sold, one child is completely treated, says Simpson.
You’ll also find scarves, hats, jewelry, sandals and of course, the store’s signature T-shirts. A portion of every sale in the store goes to each brand-specific philanthropy. Ever heard of Peace Bomb Bracelets, Sseko Sandals, Krochet Kids or Books for Africa? Those are just a few of the causes represented at 5 Pound Apparel. “Everything here gives back to a charity somewhere around the world,” says Simpson. “It’s a simple concept, but I feel it’s the right thing to do.”

417 VERDICT:
5 Pound Apparel is a great place to shop when you’re looking for something functional or stylish that also benefits others. The merchandise is definitely not typical, and shopping there is a great way to help others while enjoying yourself.

THE SHOP:
open 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 10 a.m.– 8 p.m., Fri.–Sat.

ATMOSPHERE:
Hip, cool and slightly vintage. That might be your first impression of 5 Pound Apparel. The brick walls and hardwood floor hold merchandise that benefits charities around the world. There’s a flat screen television on the wall that constantly runs through a video montage, currently featuring the people of Nepal. There’s also a couch that’s perfect for a quick break—or maybe the perfect resting place while your significant other shops. “We have a lot of people who’ll come in with their kids and just lounge on the couch,” says co-owner Bryan Simpson.

KEY PEOPLE:
The store began out of Simpson’s dream to begin a business that was not only profitable but also philanthropic. He and his brother, Matt, began with a home-based screen-printing business. Last year, the business grew so much that they needed more space. At that point, the brothers and Bryan’s girlfriend, Bethany Forrester, opened up shop in downtown Springfield. You’ll see Forrester and Bryan working in the store throughout the week, while Matt sticks more to the online side of things.

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WHAT YOU’LL FIND:
5 Pound Apparel has its own line of T-shirts, which are hand-screened on site. The brand is now on its second line, and Simpson says that the goal is to release a new line every year.

The trio tries to keep prices affordable. Generally the store’s wares sell for less than $50, and 5 Pound Apparel’s T-shirts range from $20–28.

However, the business isn’t reaping all of that profit. From each shirt that’s purchased, $7.50 goes to purchase five pounds of fortified peanut butter treatment for kids in impoverished nations. The substance is given to kids to help combat malnutrition. In fact, for every four shirts sold, one child is completely treated, says Simpson.

You’ll also find scarves, hats, jewelry, sandals and of course, the store’s signature T-shirts. A portion of every sale in the store goes to each brand-specific philanthropy. Ever heard of Peace Bomb Bracelets, Sseko Sandals, Krochet Kids or Books for Africa? Those are just a few of the causes represented at 5 Pound Apparel. “Everything here gives back to a charity somewhere around the world,” says Simpson. “It’s a simple concept, but I feel it’s the right thing to do.”

417 VERDICT:
5 Pound Apparel is a great place to shop when you’re looking for something functional or stylish that also benefits others. The merchandise is definitely not typical, and shopping there is a great way to help others while enjoying yourself.