Sustainable clothing at newly opened Will & Ebs’ Tropic Threads

Two best friends originally from Southern Indiana and co-teachers at Saipan Community School have opened a thrift shop in San Vicente called Will & Ebs’ Tropic Threads.

Jessica Williams and Jessica Eberhardt, who their friends call Will and Ebs (hence the initials at the start of the shop’s name), held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Tropic Threads last week.

“We are a sustainable boutique that specializes in reselling gently used and overstocked clothing as well as handmade art made locally. Our business started operating in 2021, selling at the Sabulu Market weekly and many pop-up events too. We finally opened our own brick-and-mortar storefront and had our opening last Dec. 9,” the two Jessicas said.

Williams and Eberhardt said they originally started entertaining the idea of opening a thrift store focused on quality and closing the fast fashion on Saipan back in 2019.

“After living on the island for a couple of years we realized that not only did we want to be able to buy quality clothing secondhand because of the environmental advantage and also because of our own frugality, but also to have somewhere to take unwanted pieces that still have life left in them, but weren’t serving their current owners.”

Since opening Tropic Threads earlier this month, the shop— located in the same building as the post office in San Vicente is situated—has had its fair share of customers.

“So far, we have had great reception from the community we have received support each day that we have been open and many people have thanked us for bringing this type of store closer to a residential area. I think the fact that we are so close to Dan Dan and Kagman makes it much easier for families to shop as they’re going about their daily lives instead of making a special trip down to a more popular shopping area,” they said.

Tropic Threads sells an eclectic collection of pre-loved as well as new items, but has been getting rave reviews for its unique merchandise.

“Right now, some of our best sellers would be resin earrings made from locally sourced flowers using things like flame tree petals and other beautiful things that we can find locally like plumeria. We also had good reception selling our crochet shoulder bags and clothing items like women’s sundresses and men’s jeans in a variety of large sizes and styles,” said Williams and Eberhardt.

Tropic Threads also sells one-of-a-kind handmade items like Christmas ornaments coasters, crochet bags with local flowers, sea glass art with local sea glass, and pottery pieces sourced from beaches around the island. The store also recently added jewelry holders and other things to help display stuff at home.

“Two special things to know would be that we have gift cards available for purchase just in time for the holiday season. They are a perfect gift for somebody who you love but maybe don’t know their exact size or style in order to get them the perfect gift. This helps them to shop with us and have a fun experience along with taking something great home.”

New customers shouldn’t also be startled when they see a furry third member of Williams and Eberhardt’s team when they shop at Tropic Threads.

“Another thing that we love about our store is that our beautiful boonie dog Samson is in with us every day that we are open. He also works as a therapy dog at Saipan Community School and is very kind, gentle, and safe. We encourage people to come in and visit with him even if they’re feeling a little stressed but don’t have time to shop. He is great company and we love that he’s a part of our team.”

Tropic Threads is open Wednesday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 11am to 7pm. The store can be reached on social media via Facebook or Instagram @wetropicthreads.