SALEM — Sacred Gear, a boutique clothing store, is something new for Salem.

For starters, it has men's fashions. There are other clothing stores here, like J. Mode on Front Street and Signatures on the Essex Street pedestrian mall, but they cater strictly to women. This is for men and women.

Sacred Gear is a high-end clothing store largely for young people, although several "vintage" customers have strolled through the door during the first month of business and made purchases.

The store's demographic, the owners said, is the younger professional with a sense of fashion. The jeans and T-shirts sold here are not the stuff of malls. The jeans are hot brand names like Joe's Jeans For Men and Paige Denims, and the prices start at around $160 — and go up.

"It's affordable luxury," said Souchitta Chanthompalit, who co-owns the business with Erik Lantz.

They are selling fashion and quality, Lantz said. "The difference is in the fabric," he said of the designer jeans. "The difference is in the dyes ... and in how long it's going to last."

Sacred Gear is the first retail venture for the two young friends, who met while working at the former Filene's at the Burlington Mall. He was an area sales manager. She was a visual merchandiser who has brought that display talent to this store, which is located in Lappin Park at the intersection of Washington and Essex streets, just a stone's throw from the "Bewitched" statue.

They are starting small with a limited selection, but are trying to keep the merchandise current.

"We only buy a select quantity, one or two pieces (in various sizes) of a certain style," she said.

"Every month we have new items," he said. "It keeps it fresh."

Sacred Gear is open six days a week and a little later (7 p.m.) on Tuesday through Saturday than most downtown stores.