Thank you to everyone who submitted their stories.  It was amazing to read what everyone had to say about our store but have no fear because we have tons of this on the way. Our store was all about the friendships we made along the way so below is a story from our friend Jesi who befriended our staff and store when she moved to Chicago.

Jesi Leigh Hovey - 

I moved to Chicago in the fall of 2007. I was young and bright-eyed and excited to live in the city of my dreams. It was around then that I’d heard Pete was putting a Clandestine store in the city, and I knew it had been the Lakeview Manufacturing Company before, and I wanted to see it before it was remodeled. So one day, a friend of mine and I trekked into good old Wrigleyville to take a peek. Upon arrival, we saw that it was already torn apart and being remodeled. We pressed our little faces up against the window to see what there was to see, then walked away a bit disappointed when we couldn’t see anything. A few moments later, we heard someone shout after us, and turned to see someone standing in the doorway. “You guys wanna come in and see?” He asked. We shared a look and nodded.”Sure!”He let us in and told us about how the store was going to be set up, told us about the Pacman game, and gave us a tour. We felt super-cool. A month later, my best friend from back home came up for the Fall Out Boy show and I got to take her to opening day. We didn’t make it inside, but we stood in line for hours with some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. We are still in contact today with those friends, and I’ll never forget that. I moved into an apartment on Cornelia avenue in January of 2009, with the Clan store literally just around the corner, we moved shortly before they announced they were closing. Clandestine’s landmark store has given me so much to smile about over the years; friends who worked there, Black Friday shopping, free Crush soda! and I know I will always remember how amazing it was to see the vintage Clandestine gear on the walls. It was always the first stop on our Lakeview shopping trips, and I’m saddened to know I’ll never be able to stop in to say ‘hi’ ever again. ♥

……..It’s coming.

Look what we found whilst perusing the interwebs this weekend. How awesome is it?

It was done by eyranne on deviantart. So cool.

Carlie Ikonen says good bye to the Clan store.  Submit your story and win a Clandestine Package! http://tinyurl.com/26rxzzr

I have a few memories of being in the store but I’d have to agree the opening was the best. I remember walking to the back of the line, it being barely 8am, where every kid in that line was there for the same reason. after I bought 2 tshirts, I got what seemed like my Golden Ticket. I think everyone felt that way. I continued to sit on the same dirty sidewalk until Pete arrived. By the time I got back into the store, I knew something I’d been wanting was happening: I was meeting two of my heroes. Joe Trohman and Pete Wentz. oh and De Jesus was there too. I didn’t know what to say besides “Hi” “Thanks” and “Can you take a picture for me?” all with a stupid smile on my face. It all happened so fast in that cramped, little store. as I was walking out, I nearly tripped over Pete’s dad’s feet ahah. then I joined everyone else that was freaking out outside. I knew that all of us were on cloud nine at the time and nothing else could top it. waited some more til the signing was over so I could shop more. I remember we surrounded the door and the Wentz parents walked out. then a few minutes later Pete walked out and into another door. then came back and left. all of us stayed calm like it was no big deal. Me, 2 people I met that day, and a few others were the first 8 people to officially shop in there. I thought I was just soo cool ahah. I quickly shopped and left because I had to get to the Fall Out Boy show that night. On the way there, I still couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off my face.

July 19th at the Do Something Awards Pete wore a personally designed “I HEART NATE HENN” Shirt to show his love and respect for Nate, who was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Uganda. Nate was a great dude who worked for Invisible Children and it’s horrible that a random act of violence took away such a bright and awesome guy. If you’d like to do something, please honor Nate and donate to his memorial fund at www.NateHenn.com 

This story had us laughing :)

So there I was. Newport and Clark, Chicago Illinois. I was naked, cold, and afraid. I stumbled to and fro, banging on doors, asking for a home for the night, just to get out of the cold. A blanket was throw at me for I was exposing myself to the cold Chicago lakefront elements (and various nighttime commuters). I spun around and was shocked to find that - yes - it was Pete Wentz’s “Clandestine Industries” door that was ajar and that - sweet tapdancing Jesus - THEY HAD CLOTHES. I pounded my feet on the pavement and exclaimed “Oodelally! Golly what a day!” and rushed into the enclave of fashion, my eyes dancing out of my head and my brain already hurting from seeing so much color and wonder.I wanted everything in the store, but the kindly punk rocker behind thecounter wagged his finger. “Tsk tsk!” he said, “You can’t carryEVERYTHING!”. I nodded sheepishly. “How about a Bat-heart-wing-thingysweathirt?” he said, and just as I was about to felate him out of puregratitude he handed it to me and for once dear reader I was warm again.Not just warm because of the sweatshirt, but because OF THE LOVE OFCLANDESTINE INDUSTRIES. - Ned Hepburn 

It’s amazing to hear about all the memories and friends everyone made at our store, Tell us your story here! http://tinyurl.com/26rxzzr

“Many people might say that their best experience going to Clandestine would be to meet Pete on the special occasions. I will admit, those were great, but that’s not what I’m going to write about. I’d have to say that the greatest experience would be going to the Holiday Parties because it would be a time that all of us could come together to celebrate. Clandestine has brought me many friends, and that’s what I loved most about the shop. It will always be wierd when those days come up and we won’t have a place to gather.” - Taylor Elizabeth

Tattoos = <3 you guys are the best.

“It’s really cool to see ideas become reality and the Clandestine Landmark Store was one of those for me. Every time I got to go hang and meet you guys at the store was specail, but I think my favorite memory of the store was opening day. Getting to see everything set up on hangers, and you guys liningup was awesome. Difinitely something I’ll never forget. Thank you.” - Pete Wentz

Tell us your Favorite experience at the store and win a mystery package of Clandestine gear! http://tinyurl.com/399ccxl