Brothers Launch Pop-Up Vintage Jersey Shops in St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Three brothers have turned their lifelong love for soccer into a successful mobile business just in time for the FIFA World Cup festivities. As fans gather in Florida to celebrate this global event, their unique pop-up shops are drawing attention.
Excitement at Ferg’s Sports Bar
During a recent match between the U.S. men’s national team and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill was packed with fans. Along with the excitement of the game, visitors were captivated by the brothers’ display of vintage soccer jerseys, showcasing outfits from various periods in international soccer history.
Local soccer enthusiast Matt Sprinkle praised the vibrant atmosphere, highlighting how important it is to support local creators. The business, called Golden Era Kits, was set up by Thomas, Bautista, and Mateo Tapper, who originally hail from Argentina.
Authentic Retro Jerseys
Co-owner Thomas Tapper shared that their focus is on finding unique, retro apparel from different sources and carefully restoring them. What started as a simple passion project at a local farmer’s market has now become a growing venture.
Expanding Collection
Their collection has grown to over 7,000 unique items, featuring gear from renowned players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Soccer fan Jakob Parks mentioned how the sight of these iconic jerseys caught his eye immediately.
Traveling Across the Country
The brothers have seized the opportunity brought on by the World Cup to travel across Florida with their pop-up shop. Mateo Tapper noted that the tournament is sparking interest in soccer among those who may not have been fans before.
“There are many new fans who are just learning about the sport,” he explained. The family has also taken their shop on the road, RVing to matches in Dallas and Kansas City. Mateo described the journey as beautiful, emphasizing how soccer can unite fans from all walks of life.
The brothers continue to share their passion for the sport, creating a welcoming space for fans to connect over their love of soccer.
