Tramps the Store

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME

In 1969, Tramp was a private member club and restaurant located on Jermyn St. in central London. It was considered to be one of the most exclusive members-only clubs in the world and was a regular haunt for musicians from Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, as well as Hollywood stars, socialites and royalty from many nations. Tramp was a nightclub unlike any other of its time, and behind the famously discreet façade the members could revel to their heart’s content.

Around the same time, there was an idea in the mind of a prominent local businessman to create a destination for men’s style right here in Wollongong. The word tramp seemed to embody all the qualities Michael Corban wanted in his new store. Like the members-only club, Tramps the Store would exemplify the height of style, fashion, exclusivity and class. Stocking only the finest quality menswear and with a team dedicated to superior service, Tramps the Store was born in August 1973.

The location was 231 Crown St. and housed two levels of fine-quality clothing. The store operated here for ten years. Tramps relocated in 1976 to a new shopping centre in Crown Central where it occupied both sides of the main entry into the centre. Tramps outgrew these stores and in 1992 bought a site on the Mall and developed a new two-level shop at 193 Crown St.