Supplies Supplies

Johanna Mitulla and Johnny Huemer

How did Supplies Supplies come about, and what made it different from the start?
Supplies Supplies was actually born out of a lack. We are both active in different kinds of sports and were always wondering where to buy our gear. So it made perfect sense to start that spot ourselves.

At the same time, a lot was happening internationally. Small, independent labels were getting more and more attention, rightly so. Coming from very similar but also quite different backgrounds, it was exciting to bring all of that together in one concept. The combination of different sports and perspectives makes it pretty much unique.

What part of the day, the space, or the creative process do you enjoy the most?
That’s a tough one. Maybe the morning routine: getting in, playing some music and putting the coffee on. There’s something really nice about that time at Karmelitermarkt, which is a great neighbourhood, by the way.

But the store is very much about community, so whenever a small group of people gathers to have a coffee or a beer, play some table tennis or have a chat, it means a lot to the place and the idea behind it.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Actually touching and trying the stuff you used to only look at online. We also highly recommend getting in touch with us. We’re genuinely happy to help.

And an alcohol-free beer from Grieskirchner, straight from our tap.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about Supplies Supplies?
Seasonal planning and a lot of forward thinking, especially when working exclusively with independent brands. That’s great most of the time, but it also has its challenges.

Of course, the representation of cis men as “the sports person” and the still very male-skewed nature of most collections are things that really frustrate us. We’re aiming for an assortment that’s at least 50% women’s and 50% men’s, and we’re trying to extend that balance into other areas, such as events and community. That definitely makes you rethink a few things.

In general, though, never get too attached to things or ideas that are already out there or already have a decent following. Try new things, unexpected things, even bizarre things. And loud isn’t always effective.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
Urban culture always has and still does. But I think what has shaped us the most from the beginning is a great deal of spontaneity.

We’re lucky to have a large and diverse network of people from all kinds of backgrounds around us. It’s a privilege to act and react within that network and find new ideas wherever you go.

If Supplies Supplies could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be, and what would you do together?
Let’s just say: stay tuned.

To mention one unsuccessful attempt, we once reached out to Museum Gugging to ask if they’d be interested in creating some merch together, but they never wrote back. ;—( haha

Is there an object, corner, or detail of the space that has a story few people know?
We have this one cactus that people really seem to like. Johanna fell in love with it instantly when she found it online, and we drove an hour and a half to pick it up. It’s a really large plant, and the ride back was very prickly, but absolutely worth it.

If Supplies Supplies were a city, a book, or a record, which would they be, and why?
People often say the store reminds them of New York City. We’re not quite sure why, but we’ll gladly take it.

Check My Machine by Paul McCartney.