Apolis shifts away from menswear and leans into custom bags

Apolis, the Los Angeles-based brand known for its customizable, signature Market Bags, has opened a retail location dedicated to its most popular item. With this new move, the company—which first launched as a menswear and accessories brand—shifts away from the clothing category.

The new retail location, Apolis Print Shop, is located in Apolis’ original location in the downtown Arts District of Los Angeles. Apolis—which was one of the first brands to open in the area before labels Shinola, Dover Street Market, and Philip Lim joined the neighborhood—initially gained traction for its minimalist menswear pieces and workwear-inspired basics. However, it was the brand’s Market Bag that would transcend all.

According to WWD, the Apolis Print Shop—which is located at 806 E. Third Street—has opportunities for customization within 10 minutes on its reusable jute Fair Trade bags, as well as paint easels and iPads for children to participate in the design process. It also features a jute garden, where customers can learn more about the materials used in their bags.

Apolis’ famed Market Bags were first created as a sustainable consumer option while also promoting responsible manufacturing. Now that the bags have been profitable enough to provide Fair Trade-certified wages and create an ample amount of jobs, its founders, brothers Raan and Shea Parton, decided to move its focus away from menswear and towards its bags.

Images: Apolis Facebook