Introduction: Why Margate, Not London?
For any Stüssy enthusiast visiting London, a trip to the chapter store in Soho is practically a pilgrimage. However, if you’re searching for a piece from a past collection or something truly unique, the real treasure isn’t in the city center. Your destination lies about 90 minutes by train from King’s Cross St. Pancras: the charming seaside town of Margate in Kent.
The reason is simple. Margate is home to one of the world’s few Stüssy Archive stores. Unlike the Stüssy London store, which stocks the current collection, this is where past masterpieces await a new owner at unbelievable prices. In this Photomo journal, I’ll share the discoveries, the excitement, and a few lessons learned from my visit to this treasure trove, the one and only Stüssy Margate.
A Minimalist Haven in a Seaside Town
The journey from London is a pleasant experience in itself. As the view from the train window shifts from urban sprawl to rolling countryside, the scent of the sea begins to fill the air. A short walk from Margate station along the coast, and there it was, nestled on the corner of a historic white building.
The modern, matte black facade and large arched window create a striking contrast with the white walls, exuding a minimalist yet powerful presence. This was it: Stüssy Margate. With my heart pounding in anticipation, I reached for the heavy door.
A Treasure Chest Awaits Inside
Stepping inside, I was greeted by warm lighting and wooden fixtures. The first thing that caught my eye was a display of accessories straight ahead: popular coin cases, beanies, and even an Our Legacy collaboration tote. This was the place to grab anything you might have missed from previous drops.
To the immediate left, a beautiful display was set against the arched window, showcasing Nike collaboration sneakers like works of art. The view of the seaside town outside the window, combined with the sophisticated streetwear inside, confirmed that the trip was already worthwhile.
“Hello,” a friendly staff member greeted me with a smile. I asked if I could take photos, and they graciously agreed. “Just let me know if you can’t find your size. I’ll check the stock for you.” This warm hospitality was consistent among all the staff, making the shopping experience incredibly pleasant.
Diving into the Archives: The Hunt Begins
After a brief greeting, I began my exploration in earnest. The store felt like a museum chronicling Stüssy’s history, but here, everything was for sale.
Outerwear, Shirts, and Countless Tees
To the right, a uniquely designed rack held down jackets and other outerwear. It was still warm on the day of my visit, so I didn’t even try anything on. Now, looking back, I regret not digging deeper; a true gem might have been hiding there.
Further in, I found rows of Stüssy archive items. The t-shirts were neatly organized by size, turning the search into a treasure hunt. I sifted through the Large section and struck gold. There it was: the classic “STUSSY N°4” logo tee, a brilliant street-style parody of a certain luxury brand. At just £35, it was an instant grab.
The long-sleeve and jacket sections were equally impressive. This is a place where you can find one-of-a-kind pieces that you’ll never see in the online store. It’s all about the thrill of the unexpected discovery.
An Impressive Denim Collection and Rare Collaborations
Dominating the center of the store was a massive collection of denim. One of my goals for this trip was to get a pair of Stüssy jeans. I found a pair with the perfect wash in my size (34) and set them aside to try on later.
Glancing at the lower shelves revealed even more treasures. Collaboration items with Nike, Converse, and Dr. Martens were casually displayed. From bold, graphic knits to more understated designs, the selection showcased the incredible breadth of the Stüssy brand.
The Fitting Room Verdict
After a thorough first sweep of the store, it was time for the fitting room. I gathered my denim and a few other intriguing items.
The Stüssy Take on a Workwear Classic: Double Knee Pants
I had initially spotted some painter pants, but a closer look revealed they were the reinforced “double knee” style. They came in both denim and black. I had to try them on.
The denim pair was first. The heavy, durable fabric created a perfect silhouette—far better than I had imagined. The black canvas version had a rugged, Carhartt-like feel. I couldn’t choose between them. The classic white workgear tag was the perfect finishing touch. Forgetting my original plan, I decided to buy both pairs.
Unearthing a Legend: The David Carson Collab Hoodie
With my purchases held at the counter, I went for a second lap. Suddenly, a brightly patterned hoodie, slightly pulled out from a wire basket, caught my attention.
I picked it up and was stunned by the graphic—a powerful, experimental collage. The tag read “David Carson.” A quick search revealed he was the legendary designer for surf culture magazine *Ray Gun* and an old friend of founder Shawn Stüssy. This collaboration series, released in 2022-23, sold out instantly. I couldn’t believe I’d found it here. It was an XL, but this felt like fate. It had to be mine.
The Haul and The Astonishing Prices
In the end, I lost track of time and got completely carried away. I walked out with two large shopping bags, my plans to explore Margate happily sacrificed for this incredible haul.
So, what did I get, and what did it all cost? Here’s the rundown of my purchases:
- Stüssy x David Carson Collaboration Hoodie
- 8 Ball Corp. Hood (Ash Heather)
- A classic white hoodie
- Stüssy Margate exclusive back-print long-sleeve tee
- STUSSY N°4 logo tee
- Workgear Denim Double Knee Pant
- Workgear Canvas Double Knee Pant
Now for the most shocking part: the price. Take a look at the receipt.
The grand total was £425. Here’s a breakdown of the incredible value:
- Hoodies: £50-£75. In Japan or the US, these would easily be double or even triple the price. We’re talking less than half price.
- Painter Pants: £80. Again, less than half what they would retail for new.
- T-Shirts: £35. Significantly cheaper than standard retail price.
Getting brand new, past-collection items at these prices is the ultimate reason to visit the Stüssy UK store in Margate.
Conclusion: An Essential Stop on Your UK Trip
Stüssy Margate is more than just a store; it’s an experience. It’s a place to connect with the brand’s history and find archive pieces you thought were gone forever. A perfect Margate day trip from London for any streetwear fan.
The possibility of finding items that sold out instantly or were never even released in your home country is very real. If you love Stüssy and are searching for something special, I urge you to plan a visit. Just be sure to leave plenty of room in your luggage. You’re going to need it.
Store Information
Stüssy Margate
Official Website: https://uk.stussy.com/
Google Map:
