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Sam Byrd, Jalen Cross and Orlando Green started Pre-Game Apparel after seeing a need in the black community of Andalusia for an urban clothing store.

Byrd said the group came up with the idea back in August. Now open, Byrd said they are the first urban clothing store Andalusia has had in a decade.

“We started this to provide the urban necessities that we need,” Byrd said. “Before, we would have to drive to Montgomery just to get clothes.”

The idea started with the group’s own clothing line, “Streeet Dreamers.”

“The store is actually a storefront for our clothing brand,” Byrd said. “It is spelled with three ‘e’s because it stands for Something To Remember Everybody Eats Equally Today. Basically, everybody has 24 hours and you don’t have to take those hours to the streets. You don’t have to see what other people are doing. There is more than one way to make a living.”

Having the store in Andalusia and being able to provide for the black community means everything to Byrd.

“From middle school up, I really didn’t have anywhere to go to get clothes,” Byrd said. “Now even more, since J.C. Penney’s is closed. It means a lot being able to give back to our community.”

Along with the clothing store, Green has opened up a barbershop inside the store.

“That is another area that we are lacking here in Andalusia,” Byrd said. “We are happy to provide that service, as well.”

Pre-Game Apparel opened last Saturday and Byrd said there has already been a lot of traffic.

“We have been pretty consistent with customers,” Byrd said. “We are really looking forward to giving back to the city that raised us and showing an example to the younger guys that you can follow your dreams.”

The store is open on weekends from 10 a.m., until 10 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 5 p.m., until 9 p.m.

Pre-Game Apparel has men and women’s clothing and is located in Andalusia at 1514 East Three Notch Street, Suite B.