By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – You don't have to walk downstairs to get to the newest business in downtown Niles.
The Basement, located at 211 N. Second Street, celebrated its grand opening on Friday and has all of your t-shirt needs.
Chamber of Commerce President Ron Sather had one particular question for owners Victor Valles, Aaron Thomas and David McLalin – "Why the name The Basement, especially when the store is not in one?"
That's easy. The three were sitting in a basement one day, trying to decided a name for the store when one suggested, what else, The Basement.
"The name just stuck," Valles said.
"We are very excited about this business. This store will be hitting a demographic, youthful, young crowd and will bring new shoppers to the downtown area," Program Manager for Niles Main Street Lisa Croteau said.
The Basement features different t-shirts with band names, funny sayings and logos, hats, stickers, body jewelry and energy drinks. Shoppers can special order band t-shirts if they cannot find a specific band they are looking for.
In the future, the store is hoping to expand its inventory to carry music cds and other media items.
"This is a big day for us. We've been friends for a while and we are really hoping this works out," Valles said.
He compared the store to Hot Topic, which is located inside the mall. The difference, he explained, is that the prices are lower and shoppers don't have to drive all the way Mishawaka, Ind.
City Administrator Terry Eull said he's excited for the three owners and also glad to see the storefront being used.
"This store has been empty for a number of years and you guys have done a great job of bringing life back to it. It really looks great," he said.
For questions about the store or any merchandise they carry, call The Basement at 687-8800 or send an e-mail to basementwear@yahoo.com.