TOLEDO, Ohio — If you're still in the market for a holiday gift with a more personal touch, look for apparel that celebrates Toledo, Ohio and the Midwest as a whole.
John Amato, the company's president, began making t-shirts in 2006 marking Ohio State's trip to the college football National Championship. What Amato started then has grown into Jūpmode, an apparel company celebrating all things Toledo, northwest Ohio and the entire Midwest. Its line includes unique features, like historic photos, advertisements and events from our region's past.
"It's a great way to celebrate the local history and the just pride in where you're from," Amato said.
The bulk of Jūpmode's business is screen printing and embroidery of custom clothing and promotional products for area businesses and groups. Their storefront on Adams Street is always filled with nostalgic, humorous, and of course comfy apparel.
Along with plenty of retro and throwback apparel, they also plenty of seasonal and winter-themed shirts that would make a great holiday gift. Amato said nostalgia was the primary factor in drawing shoppers to the products.
"Particularly for people who have left Toledo and you want to remind them about their family back home," Amato said. "I think most people have a connection to back home. These will reinforce that connection, especially for people that grew up in Toledo and then left. I think in that scenario in particular it's a great gift."
Jūpmode has grown substantially over the years, and that expansion is slated to continue: they will be moving to a new building on Monroe Street in 2024.
Amato said the development is all thanks to the support of the Glass City community who have shown they are more than happy to support a local company that aims to spread some regional love.
"There's an authenticity with the designs that we have, the products that we have because we're from Toledo, and that passion that we have for the area is real," Amato said.
"The people who work here we're all mostly from Toledo, all love the city of Toledo. So, it's great to see people who also love Toledo support our small business," Stephen Gullette sad. Gullette is Jūpmode's marketing and social media specialist.
Jūpmode will be open through the weekend for any last minute Christmas gifts. Their hours will be Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Christmas Eve Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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