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Tucked away behind a steel gate on Shan Xi Nan Lu near Julu Lu is a charming little shop specializing in goods for the type of man who'd go to a magazine rack, pass by the FHM and pick up a Complex instead.
Aegis Co-op is definitely geared towards guys - especially ones who aren't afraid to spend a little extra cash on fashion. One wall is entirely dedicated to high-end sneakers: a Nike Killshot Vintage (690RMB) sits adjacent to a collection of Adidas Snakeskins (1080RMB to 1280RMB) and some Clae Romare Hi s (1300RMB). Near the doorway is a sleek custom fixed gear bike (they'll help you book one) and various eco-friendly messenger bags.
Other knickknacks: Moleskin notebooks (ranging from 72RMB to 231RMB), novelty ashtrays, an excellent pair of Grado SR60 headphones (680RMB), and several old-school shaving razors. Not sure how a Merker Heavy Double Duty Edge Razor (530RMB) differs from your normal Gillette? You can try it out right there.
The store has let wanderers in for a few weeks now, but the official grand opening is today. If you've been looking to treat yourself (or some discerning male you know), Aegis Co-op is worth a look-see.
Aegis Co-op, 80 Shan Xi Nan Lu near Julu Lu. 陕西南路 80号 进巨鹿路
Email: info@aegiscoop.com
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I don't know how a shop like this could survive in the long run. They don't have a lot to offer and they are not the only one in Shanghai selling stuff like that. Some of the items are interesting, but I just don't know how to categorize a shop like this. We'll see.
While I am philosophically opposed to expensive sneakers and Moleskin notebooks, and therefore probably to this shop, Grado labs makes really nice headphones. RMB 680 is almost a 50% markup on what they sell for in the States, but I'm listening to my ten-year-old pair of SR60s right now.
Shanghai is sorely missing a store like this! I completely enjoyed being able to find great and unique looking sneakers as well as some of the other cool gadgets and accessories they have. When you consider the import tax and whatnot, the pricing is super reasonable! Cheaper than me flying back to the states to get what I want. I just picked up two pairs of uber-sweet Nikes and Creative Rec sneakers, too bad it's raining today cause I was lookin' forward to rockin' them today!
Hey there, I'm running the shop... If you haven't dropped in yet, feel free to come by before passing judgment. If you have already, then please be rest assured that we are constantly working on bringing new products in, and that what you saw in the last month (while we weren't officially open yet) is just getting better. We are definitely doing a range of products that the China market hasn't yet been exposed to...
As for categorizing us, we're trying to deliver simple, clean, but premium (not necessarily price-wise) accessories/gadgets, mainly for men. I've really found a lack of options for us men in Shanghai among the regular Changle/Xinle/Jingan shops, so I hope that Aegis can bring a bit more flavor to the men's retail scene.
Mike - I love my Grados - that is why I brought them into the shop, as they are an absolute joy for people who appreciate good audio. Grado SR60s usually sell stateside for 70 USD, but I'm sure you realize that the nearly 30% taxes and additional logistics cost do factor into our pricing. If I could get these babies out to everyone cheaper, I would... but like absolutezero said, its surely more cost effective than flying / or international delivery from the states!
This looks like the kind of shop for the type of man who'd go to a magazine rack, pass by the FHM and pick up a SKATEBOARD!
my brother-in-law known as W_csc runs the shop(duh). hotshotdebut its not the only shop like this but its the only one like the style. absolutezero thx. and guess what. theres loads of company boss that come in the shop. while i was on vacation the shop went on TV