Buffalo, NY (WKBW) – Trendup, a staple in Allentown streetwear, has been marked in nine years of business. Owned by Buffalo native Giovanni Centurione, the store carries a niche in the city’s fashion scene.
“It’s mainly for men’s stores, but it’s streetwear so anyone can rock it. Girls can rock it, too. It’s just pants and hoodies. Anyone can rock it.”
The inspiration for the trending Centurion came from his time living in New York City. When he returned to Buffalo in 2010, he struggled to find the kind of fashion he loved.
“At the time, Elmwood was a predominantly a women’s boutique, and Galleria didn’t have what I was looking for,” Centurione said.
Recognizing the gaps in Buffalo’s retail scene, many people leapt through praise of his style of Centurione.
He said, “I’ve always wanted my own store anyway, so why don’t I try it?”
He quit his job as an information specialist at Buffalo Niagara Visiting Buffalo, and the rest is history.
Trendup focuses on clothing with sneakers as accessories rather than as main events.
“And what sets us apart is not a buyer trade. So everything except vinyl and old magazines is new. All apparel is authentic. We buy directly,” added Centurione.
The shop is powered by designers from New York and LA, as well as local brands. In 2023, Trend Up became the official home of Damar Hamlin’s clothing line, chasing after M.
“Shop Allen Street Block Club and Business Alliance” president Barrett Schwarenberg said Centurion will add personality, creativity and diversity to Allentown’s aesthetics.
“It was cool to see it evolve from a smaller space to a larger space. He has full control over the aesthetic, pop-up events, fashion spotlights. Everything he does is a bigger fashion event.”
Like many small businesses, the trend has faced challenges, especially during the pandemic.
“Definitely during Covid. We had to close from March to June. We didn’t know what we were doing. Luckily, I’ll share the space with someone else. MsYyeCandy. We saved rent. That was good.
Despite the hurdles, Centurione’s resilience continues to make the trend thrive.
“He built this very cool and niche shop with incredible knowledge and experience,” Schwarenberg said.
Congratulations on business trends over the past nine years!
