826 Valencia and Friends

We don't stray too far from fashion in these parts but if you consider superhero capes and eye patches fashion, and we do, then you must know about 826 Valencia and its growing network of delightful stores. 826 Valencia and all the affiliated 826 centers are first and foremost writing and after-school tutoring centers that provide a variety of classes and services to neighborhood kids, mostly for free. Additionally, each center usually has a themed storefront, the proceeds of which go to the center.

A first shop was the 826 Valencia pirate supply store (which also has online shopping, lest you should need a glass eye and don't find yourself in SF).

Next was 826NYC and the corresponding Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. stocked with everything from superhero capes to jars of anti-matter to superhero utility belts.

We haven't seen these ones ourselves yet, but there's 826Seattle and their Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co., 826CHI and The Boring Store, and 826Michigan and their Monster Local Union 826.

We suggest that if you find yourself in any of these town you stop by and support them. This is one shopping excursion that's truly for the children.