The T-shirt Man shop in Elizabeth to permanently close next month

A cult clothing store in Adelaide’s north has revealed it can’t keep running and will shut down for good within weeks.

An iconic store in Adelaide’s northern suburb, known for its range of alternative clothing celebrating rock and metal bands, will close its doors for good.

The T-shirt Man, inside Elizabeth City Centre, will close from February 28 with owner Rick Stanislawski saying it was a “tough decision”.

“I love the business, I love my customers. I love serving customers,” the Adelaide man said.

Mr Stanislawski, in his 60s, said they were unable to keep up with the rising cost of “mass rents and outgoing expenses”.

“Small businesses can’t afford massive rents,” he said. “People don’t have much money nowadays. Everyone’s hurting. It’s just something I have to do. I can’t sustain it.”

Staff members Rhiannon Simone and Daisy Maragozidis of The T-shirt Man at Elizabeth City Centre, which is set to close. Picture: RoyVPhotography

He said he was “not interested in relocating” to another venue – but instead will launch an online store to sell their remaining stock after they officially close.

“We will have something on our website from March onwards,” he said.

Mr Stanislawski said he would miss the “great customers and relationships”, while thanking his loyal customers for being a part of the business since he opened it 37 years ago.

“We’ve got the same customers coming in. Their kids are coming in, their grandchildren are coming in, it’s just generational,” he said.

“They are sorry to see us go, but they are happy that we will have set something up in March.”

Rhiannon Simone and Daisy Maragozidis at the shop, which carries a huge range of metal and rock band T-shirts. Picture: RoyVPhotography

The business took to social media last week to notify customers about the “emotional news”.

“It is with heavy hearts we announce that the time has come for The T-shirt Man to close shop,” Rick ‘The T-shirt Man’, Rhiannon and Daisy wrote in the post.

“We would like to assure everyone that this definitely was not an easy decision to make.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the local community for so many years and share in the love of music, culture and wearable art. We hope to see you before we go.”

The business garnered a huge customer fan base for their unique range of T-shirts for rock, metal, alternative and electronic music genres.

“We thank every single customer that has come in and bought from us over the years. It really means the world to us, especially as an independent business,” they wrote.

Originally published as The T-shirt Man shop in Elizabeth to permanently close next month