New shop offers urban clothing in Ambler
Lifelong resident Danny Coppolella, a 2000 Wissahickon High School graduate, said he and his younger brother, Dominic, 2002 alum, have “always wanted to own [their] own business.” Their dream turned into reality when The Re-Up, a boutique-style men’s clothing store at 15 N. Ridge Ave. opened last month. “I’ve always been into fashion,” the older Coppolella said. The store carries brands like Ed Hardy, Triple 5 Soul and LRG, which, according to Coppolella are unavailable in department stores.
People in Ambler and surrounding communities had to go to South Street in Philadelphia or online to purchase such brands before The Re-Up came to the borough, he said. “A lot of colorful, exclusive clothing,” is how Coppolella described his store’s merchandise, which is shipped from mostly New York and California.
“I wanted to wrap that up and bring it here; give customers a chance to get here and see the clothes in person.” Paul Dooley Jr., who the brothers grew up with, is Coppolella’s sole full-time employee. Dominic works at an accounting firm in Philadelphia while Coppolella and Dooley man the store all week.
Dooley, a borough councilman and marine, said, “re-up” is a term used in the military when a serviceman’s contract is up and he decides to sign up again or “re-up” his contract, which is where the guys came up with the name of their new business venture. Coppolella said The Re-Up has already had recurring customers, a loyalty he looks forward to continuing. “We’re still trying to get the word out but we’re working on building good relationships so [customers] trust us,” Coppolella said.