Tropic Threads moves business back online

Tropic Threads is moving its sustainable boutique business back online after shuttering its brick-and-mortar location in San Vicente last Jan. 3.

Co-owner Jessica Alvarez said the original goal of Tropic Threads was to operate as a sustainable store that helped reduce clothing waste on the island, a goal she believes the business has achieved.

“We've saved a lot of stuff from going to the landfill. And though we are closing the brick-and-mortar store due to economic issues, with the post office moving and things like that, we've decided the most suitable option is to move online,” she said.

The boutique’s new online store will launch on Feb. 15, where Alvarez said Tropic Threads will continue offering its signature handmade goods and will also restock thrift items curated by co-owner and college schoolmate Jessica Tompkins, who has since moved back to Kentucky.

For customers who can’t wait until then, Alvarez said Tropic Threads items are still available for purchase at Marianas Creations and the Busy Bee Workshop.

“So, if you've never checked those places out, you've got to,” she said.

Tropic Threads marked the closure of its San Vicente store with a fill-a-bag sale, with remaining items donated to a charitable cause.

“We are doing a fill-a-bag sale to try to get as much of the clothing out into the community and be as useful as we can. The rest of our clothing and shoes will be going to the Salvation Army so that they can still be utilized by people,” Alvarez said.

Another motivation for moving the business online, she said, is the ability to serve a wider audience across the Marianas and beyond.

“With the current economic climate, we decided the best option is to move online so that we can not only serve people here in Saipan but also reach Tinian and Rota, and even customers in other areas who would enjoy our handmade jewelry or other goods,” Alvarez said.

Originally launched as an online business, Tropic Threads opened its San Vicente storefront on Dec. 9, 2023. The boutique was founded by the two friends when they were both teaching at Saipan Community School.

“We moved out here to be teachers at Saipan Community School, and we saw a need for thrift and a place for people to sell clothing. We made that available for two great years, and we're really thankful for it,” said Alvarez, who continues to teach at the Susupe Christian school.

She and Tompkins said they loved living on Saipan and especially valued the relationships they built with customers and repeat shoppers.

“We really appreciate the support that they've given us, and we hope they continue to support us while we're online,” Alvarez said.

Despite the closure of Tropic Threads’ physical location, Alvarez believes there will continue to be a need for thrift or secondhand stores on Saipan.

“I feel like so many people are leaving the island, and families are selling a lot of their belongings, especially clothes. Garage sales and community events make clothing more accessible and affordable, and we don’t have a problem with that,” she said. “We just want to see less clothing waste—and we’re seeing that, so we’re happy.”