Charlie Hustle popup coming to Power & Light in time for Big 12 (and 300,000 visitors)

A highly visible storefront along the KC Streetcar line is expected to give homegrown apparel brand Charlie Hustle a prime spot to showcase KC Heart for hundreds of thousands of potential shoppers during the coming Big 12 basketball tournament.

The game day merch shop and experiential retail concept is expected to open Thursday, March 7 at 1380 Main Street in downtown Kansas City.

Chiefs-inspired apparel sits ready for shoppers at Charlie Hustle’s Plaza storefront; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“Charlie Hustle is one of the local brands that makes KC such a special place,” said John Moncke, president of the Kansas City Power & Light District. “Every day I see so many people proudly wearing Charlie Hustle items everywhere I go, and this pop-up store will add to both the momentum of the Power & Light District and Charlie Hustle.”

“The Big 12 Basketball Tournament is a fantastic time to launch a new retail store, as we will have 300,000 visitors downtown,” he continued. “In addition to all the world-class events hosted downtown, the neighborhood has very high residential density too. Charlie Hustle will be a great place to shop for both residents and visitors alike.”

Known for its iconic KC Heart T-shirts and vintage-inspired sports collections, Charlie Hustle has quickly become one of Kansas City’s staple brands for local apparel throughout the past decade.

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Charlie Hustle plans to host several events, contests and interactive experiences during a “12 Days of the Big 12” activation starting March 7 that will run through the end of the men’s Big 12 tournament championship game on March 16.

The experiential retail store will include a small basketball court where the store plans to host special team appearances and alumni events featuring former players. Fans will also have the opportunity to partake in a pop-a-shot contest that will last throughout the tournaments.

Chase McAnulty, Charlie Hustle; photo courtesy of Charlie Hustle

“We are more than excited to bring this experiential retail concept to life in collaboration with the Big 12 Conference and the Power & Light District,” said Chase McAnulty, founder and CEO of Charlie Hustle. “We are grateful for John’s belief in our growing brand and can’t wait to give fans the opportunity to explore something new and fresh for the women’s and men’s basketball tournaments and showcase the brand that was built right here in Kansas City in a unique way.”

Despite its initial focus on the Big 12 tournament and fandom, the Charlie Hustle popup is expected to continue its run at Power & Light through the spring and summer seasons.

 

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“I am a proud supporter of Charlie Hustle and proudly wear their distinctive KC heart lapel pins each day. That’s why I am thrilled Charlie Hustle, one of Kansas City’s most-loved local businesses, will be put on display for Kansas Citians and visitors to support in the heart of our city,” said Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. “Our local businesses make our community great and I look forward to the charm Charlie Hustle will bring to our growing downtown.”