Revolutionizing ‘Kulture’ in Osborne Village

Osborne Village favourite lives up to its name

Anti-masturbation gum, Jesus action figures and devil ducks for the bath are just some of things available at Kustom Kulture in Osborne Village.

Oh, yes, then there’s the “smoking accessories” that take up a quarter of the store and make it a favourite among locals.

Owner Gary Gatti said when the business was started, they opened on a shoe string budget with the threat of being shut down for some of the smoking implements they sold.

But what started exclusively as a head shop 12 years ago, has evolved into a unique place to buy gifts, alternative literature and clothing.

Gatti said one of the strengths of his business is its connection to the city.

“For a lot of people it means there’s somewhere to shop with a connection to Winnipeg,” said Gatti.

“Independent businesses are the flavour of Winnipeg. When you describe the city, you don’t describe The Gap.”

Gatti said Kustom Kulture started as a partnership but has since become incorporated for organizational and taxation purposes.

Although Gatti would not disclose turnover, he did say the business was healthy.

The clientele come from all walks of life and vary in age, said Gatti.

“Most people are from teens to 30s with a spattering of silverbacks,” he said with a grin.

“But we have a huge cross section of people coming in.”

Manager and buyer Cass (second name withheld), said her and the other nine staff make sure people feel welcome regardless of age, gender or race.

“We educate each other,” she said, referring to the relationship with customers.

“It’s definitely friendly and we’re not a cold service.”

She also said there’s an emphasis on buying locally-made products and if goods have to be imported, they are sweat shop free.

She said pirates and ninjas are big at the moment, and they recently added dresses to their clothing line which also includes socially aware T-shirts, socks, nipple tassles and frilly underwear.

There’s also an assortment of incense, action figures and “The Looking Good for Jesus” bathroom lip balm.

Despite the success of the business, Gatti said he has no plans to open other outlets.

He said the name Kustom Culture comes from an L.A. art exhibition and the logo, which is a veiny eyeball with wings, represents the connection to getting high, literally and figuratively.

He said the store can be educational and contradicts the view that pot smokers sit around on the lounge eating Cheetos and never move out of their parents’ basement.

Kustom Kulture is located at 470 River Avenue in Osborne Village and is open seven days a week.