AK: How long has your store been open for?
J: As a store we started March 1st 2008 and it was very difficult from the beginning, after 6 months our national currency went down 60% with the US dollar and that time was very hard for all stores. We had a lot of hip-hop/ streetwear stores in city and in that year 80% was closed.
I remember when we started to search for new brand’s for some fresh stuff and we found Akomplice. We received the catalog and decided this is it!
AK: What is the most difficult part of doing business in Ukraine?
J: First of all the mentality of our people(what they wear, how they rock), before all social networking started young people didn’t knew a lot about the streetwear brand’s, about latest news, about the fake kick’s,clothing, music and etc. But when social network’s started to grow up, and the stores started to use it was blow up! Now with the BloG’s, with VK.com (biggest russian social network) with web-store it’s more easy.
Second is the rent, if you want the best place’s you must pay from $5000 to $10000 for the store 60-100 square meters. Some owner’s open the store’s in the center but not in the main street’s and use the internet to find the customer’s and to promote their stores.
Third is economic situation with the currency, don’t know what to expect.
AK: If I travel to Ukraine, where should I visit and why?
J: Our country is like connection of 2 different world, the western part was always closer to Poland and the eastern part to Russia, but it’s one country. You must visit Lviv, Kiev and our city Kharkov. In Lviv you will see old Ukrainian culture, Kiev is the capital of our country and Kharkov is first capital of Ukraine and the city of student’s.
AK: What is a useful Ukrainian phrase that I should learn if I go to the Ukraine?
J: It’s like Hey, what’s up, but in russian it will be “Привет, как дела?” or “Privet, kak dela?”
AK: Ukrainian women are famously beautiful! SO gorgeous!! Is there anything I should know about Ukrainian women that will help my chances? Any strange bedroom customs I should be aware of if I get lucky?
J: Our girl’s are the best, but you must find the key for every girl. Open your soul when you will find the girl that you liked, speak from the heart:)
AK: If I had to know 1 thing about Ukraine, what should it be?
J: When our people do something that they like and love they do it with their soul, especially when they have fun 🙂
