SLCT, pronounced “select”, stands for Sneakers, Lifestyle, Clothing, and Treasures. They are located on Indiana Avenue, just a few seconds from the Sample Gates.

SLCT may seem like a modest store, but the contents of just this shelf are worth upwards of $10,000, according to SLCT Owner Nick Ayala.

The Bloomington store offers countless vintage IU items, including hats, shirts, and jackets.

Owner Nick Ayala discussing business with IU Senior and fashion designer Phil Ashenbremer.

SLCT customers dig high and low to find a new piece for their wardrobe.

A customer tries on the newly released Pine Green Jordan 1’s. SLCT always has the newest (and the oldest) shoes.

A moment of peace in what appears to be a busy day for Nick.

Ayala is what some might consider a Seinfeld fanatic. For any fans, the inspiration is quite obvious here.

Ayala and Ashenbremer chatting up the latest fashion news. Ashenbremer is preparing for a fashion show in the coming months, one he is now designing for after modeling in last year.

Ayala doesn’t just sell clothes, he buys and trades with his customers as well. Nick and a customer are seen here rummaging through goods to see if any might be a good fit for SLCT.

Stop in anytime and you’ll be sure to catch a laugh via Seinfeld.

Catch them around campus, you never know just where you might see them.

Fashion enthusiasts rejoice. Bloomington has a new vintage clothes and sneaker store a mere 30 seconds from the iconic sample gates on Indiana Avenue. The next time you absolutely have to have a new pair of sneakers or are in dire need of a fashionable shirt for your next trip to Kilroy’s, walk no further than SLCT Stock.

Sitting next to Bloomington staple BuffaLouies, SLCT Stock provides a unique shopping experience offering a wide range of items, including sneakers, lifestyle items, clothing, and treasures (SLCT). Owner Nick Ayala, a 2016 IU graduate, founded SLCT in March of 2018. “When I originally opened the store, I wanted it to be a place where college students could come in and sell or trade their own things and cop a new piece from me.”

Nick Ayala graduated from the IU Kelley School of Business in 2016 with a degree in Supply Chain Management. After graduating, he worked for a year and a half in Ann Arbor, Michigan for Toyota, where he worked with a team to help develop the 2020 Toyota Tundra. “I hated it. I knew I was going to quit, even before I signed the lease here. I was on a trip to Bloomington in December of 2017 when I saw this place for rent. I signed the lease that day and quit my job the next week.” Ayala hasn’t looked back since.

SLCT offers an abundance of vintage fashion items you probably won’t find anywhere else. From rare Air Jordan’s to vintage movie apparel, SLCT has it all. When taking a photo of a 1986 Phantom of the Opera t-shirt for Instagram, Ayala points out, “Kanye wore this last year so everybody wants it now.” Ayala has no shortage of knowledge about the fashion industry. Instagram is his primary mode of communication. SLCT has racked up over 2,000 followers in just the 7 months since the store opened. Ayala posts pictures of his high-demand items and personal favorites. Some of the popular items are sold within the hour. By combining his communication abilities with his business experience, Ayala has created more than a store. He’s created a brand.

SLCT opens its doors for any member of the community. “There’s really something for everybody here” says Nick Ayala. Anyone from high school students to professors and alumni of all ages can find something to fit their own fashion senses. SLCT gives back to the Bloomington community by offering free giveaways, often with Nick hiding a pair of shoes in a random location on campus for a student to find. After Nick posts a hint to the SLCT Instagram story, whoever finds the item first is responsible for posting it on their own story. Ayala uses creative strategies like this to increase exposure for his store.

Customer loyalty is an important part of any successful business. The store boasts a welcoming and interactive environment. Customers can expect to hear about the latest fashion, music, movies, or anything pop-culture related. Ayala cares about his customers and is on a first-name basis with many of them. It is apparent that he loves what he does. Author Simon Sinek once said, “They don’t buy what you sell, they buy why you sell it.” Nick Ayala knows why he sells fashion. As a matter of fact, the back of his license plate reads “SLCT”.

SLCT isn’t slowing down anytime soon either. Their online sales platform is up and running as of this summer. They ship anywhere in the US. Things are looking good for SLCT Stock. So, the next time you’re admiring the Sample Gates or you dine-in at BuffaLouies, stop into SLCT. You’ll be greeted with a smile from Nick and probably a laugh from Jerry.