NOV 25' - "Lil Nairobi" Capsule

The “Lil Nairobi” Capsule is a tribute to Nairobi Shopping Center — a historic East Palo Alto landmark that once stood at the Four Corners and housed multiple Black-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Before redevelopment. Before displacement. Before the city changed.
Nairobi Shopping Center was a place where our community circulated dollars, built relationships, and owned space.

This capsule honors that era — the pride of local ownership, the everyday hustle, and the cultural heartbeat of 94303. “Lil Nairobi” isn’t about nostalgia alone; it’s about preserving memory through modern design and wearable essentials that keep the story alive.

Every piece is intentional. Clean silhouettes. Everyday functionality. Built to be worn, layered, and lived in — just like the neighborhood that inspired it.

Capsule Highlights

  • Tribute to East Palo Alto’s Nairobi Shopping Center

  • Celebrates community ownership, Black business, and local legacy

  • Unisex, everyday essentials designed for real life

  • Rooted in 94303 culture, made for worldwide wear

What’s Included

  • Tops: Classic tees, fine jersey tees, ringer tees, oversized tees, long sleeves, crewneck styles

  • Layers: Hoodies, box hoodies, sweatshirts, crewnecks, lightweight quarter-zip pullover

  • Bottoms: Unisex joggers

  • Headwear: Snapback hat, trucker cap, vintage cotton twill cap, cuffed beanie

  • Accessories & Home: Men’s & women’s slides, eco tote bag, clear tote bag, black glossy mug, custom-shaped pillow

“Lil Nairobi” is a reminder.
A reminder that East Palo Alto has always had culture.
Always had business.
Always had vision.

This is for the ones who remember — and the ones who need to know.

 

Nairobi Shopping Center was a landmark commercial hub in East Palo Alto, located at the Four Corners (Bay Road & University Avenue).
For a period of time, it represented something rare in the city’s history:

  • A concentration of Black-owned and minority-owned businesses

  • A local economy built by and for the community

  • A place where people shopped, linked up, handled business, and felt seen

Before redevelopment and long before tech money reached EPA, Nairobi Shopping Center stood as proof that ownership, culture, and commerce could exist together in our city. Even after it disappeared physically, the name and the memory stayed alive through stories, slang, and pride passed down.

That’s what “Lil Nairobi” is honoring.