For specialty menswear retailers, the Chicago Collective is the must-attend show. The curated and manageable selection of brands in a wide range of categories — from tailored clothing and furnishings to denim, knitwear, shoes and accessories — offer just the right mix of trend and heritage to appeal to their loyal customer base. As they prepared to head out for the fall edition, they took the time to weigh in on what they’ll be shopping for at the show, their outlook for this year and the challenges they face running an independent business.
Ken Giddon, Rothmans, New York
When was your business established?
1926. It was started in a pushcart on the Lower East Side by my grandfather, Harry Rothman.
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What are some of your key brands?
Canali, Eleventy, Faherty, David Donahue, Patrick Assaraf, Katin, Brax, Ballin — I could go on and on and on.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
I think it’s going to be a lot like 2024. We had our best year last year, and I think this year is going to be good too. We’re well positioned for the way men are dressing now with a good mix of casual, dressy and wedding attire. And it’s working pretty well right now. Our vendors are doing a good job delivering what customers want.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
We’re looking for a few extraordinary knitwear pieces we haven’t had. And we’re always looking to add a slim sport coat resource.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
Everything. It seems there are headwinds in every direction, but that’s how you learn to get better.
Hill Stockton, Norman Stockton, Winston-Salem, N.C.
When was your business established?
1909
What are some of your key brands?
Heritage Gold, Peter Millar, Johnnie-O, Jack Victor, Brax and Alan Paine.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
We feel strongly about 2025. 2024 was a great year for us and there will be many fewer distractions in 2025 so we see no reason that we can’t be up another 8 to 10 percent this year.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
Interesting outerwear, soft jackets and sport coats, handsome shirts; checks, plaids and prints, unique sweaters.
Dan Farrington, Mitchells Family of Stores
When was your business established?
Ed Mitchell’s (original name) opened in Westport, Conn., in 1958.
What are some of your key brands?
Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton, Canali, Brioni, Loro Piana and Isaia.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
I’m optimistic 2025 will be another record year, although we’re not taking anything for granted.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
In Chicago, we will look for market trends, emerging brands to watch or try, better denim, casual knitwear, cold-weather accessories, leather accessories. We always have a list but like to be surprised with something unexpected too.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
Staying independent and not following the path of some department stores going concession with big brands. That’s the biggest challenge we all face. Brands, understandably, want to have control of their brands — physical space, assortment, brand marketing, sellers involved, etc. We find ways to do all that however it’s an ongoing challenge to balance building brands while staying independent and catering to the customer needs and wants they expect from us.
Craig DeLongy, John Craig, Winter Park, Fla.
When was your business established?
The first John Craig store opened in Winter Park on March 2, 1996. I now own eight locations in Florida with three brands: John Craig, Current and Carter & Finley.
What are some of your key brands?
My key brands are Canali, Meyer, Brax, Emanuel Berg, Jack Victor, Castangia, Peter Millar, Greyson, Eton and Stenstroms.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
My outlook for 2025 is very upbeat. We ended 2024 with a huge increase, and overall it was a banner year. We will continue to build on what we accomplished in 2024.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
Our goal is to continue to strengthen our relationships with our current vendors while looking for an opportunity to bring in something that will add some new excitement.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
I feel strongly that we do not have any unique challenges but only great opportunities.
Lindsay Morton Gaiser, Andrisen Morton, Denver
When was your business established?
Our business was established in 1979 by my father, David Morton, and his business partner, Craig Andrisen.
What are some of your key brands?
Key brands in store are Isaia, Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton and Canali.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
Our outlook for 2025 is cautiously optimistic. We have been fortunate to have steady growth year-over-year for the past three years. While we are not anticipating anything changing for 2025, we are tightening our buying budgets and watching expenses closely.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
I am looking for newness. The menswear world doesn’t change much, and I am anxious for one of our great vendors or potential vendors to do something that makes me excited to bring it back to Denver.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
We really believe that specialty retail is having a moment. We are so fortunate to have the best customers, team and vendors. I would say that one challenge we do have is finding great people. We are always looking for dynamic sellers, tailors, buyers and leaders that love our business as much as we do.
Stuart Segal, Mr. Sid, Newton Centre, Mass.
When was your business established?
1967
What are some of your key brands?
Zegna, Isaia, Castangia, Canali, Cesare Attolini and Brioni for tailored clothing. Sportswear and denim brands are highlighted by the first Fedeli shop in the U.S. We do a great job with Eton, Manto and Patrick Assaraf. Our denim brands include PT01, Trammarossa, AG and Jacob Cohen.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
I’m cautiously optimistic. The men’s business has been strong and continues to be driven by tailored clothing. Made-to-measure continues to grow and there seems to be momentum going into the new year. The economy is good and people are working more from their offices. Most of our clients are busy and back to traveling. But I am a little concerned with all that comes with a world that is in complete disarray. The new administration has plenty to prove.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
We will be addressing some of our needs for our new shop named Sid Blue. It’s a denim-inspired shop that introduces “softer” price points and bolder fashion. We will be looking at adding accessories and possibly some private label as well.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
There are many challenges that we face today. One of the biggest is the very same vendors that we’ve partnered with for so long are now in the retail business themselves. They have brick-and-mortar shops in our high-end shopping districts and extraordinary websites with the full collection online. These are vertical companies that don’t play on the same playing field and will dictate how they want to do business. The day will come when these companies will decide whether or not they want to do business with us. It’s a challenge for the independents that have built these brands some 35 years ago and now they might decide not to sell us anymore.
Adam Zuckerman, Z Life, Rye Brook, N.Y.
When was your business established?
My business was established in 2009.
What are some of your key brands?
Some key brands I carry are Surfside, Relwen, 04651, Hartford, Masons, Closed, Patrick Asarof and Officine Generale.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
My outlook to 2025 is that I’m cautiously optimistic.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
I’m looking for fresh and new product at the Chicago Collective.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
I feel like my biggest challenge as an independent is competing with my own vendors as they continue to grow their own e-commerce businesses.
Paul Simon, Simon & Sons, Needham, Mass.
When was your business established?
My business was established in 1905 in the Beacon Hill area of Boston. I’m very fortunate that my grandfather and dad were hard working and smart businessmen. Even though my business started in Boston, my store, Simon & Sons, is now located in Needham, Mass.
What are some of your key brands?
Our key brands are Jack Victor, Hart Schaffner Marx, David Donahue, Peter Millar, Faherty and 34 Heritage, just to name a few.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
I think 2025 will be another good year. My philosophy is simple: I sell great brands at competitive prices and give excellent customer service. My staff is terrific and most men need help shopping, we make it easy.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
At the Chicago show I’ll be looking for more sportswear brands. Men are definitely back in the office (at least three days a week), but their dress code has changed. I’d like to find some crisp, dressy sportswear.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
I love being an independent retailer. I’ve established excellent relationships with my vendors and customers. I feel that a small independent retailer can make quicker decisions and change on a dime. Bigger isn’t always better. And you always have to stay positive.
Hal Lansky, Lansky’s, Memphis, Tenn.
When was your business established?
1946
What are some of your key brands?
Robert Graham, Mizzen+Main, 7 Diamonds, Buki, Teleria Zed, Magnanni, On Running, Johnnie-O, True Grit and our own Lansky Bros. Clothier to the King brand.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
We’re looking forward to a strong year in 2025, fueled by positive momentum across the retail industry. As consumer confidence continues to grow, we see exciting opportunities to deepen connections with our customers by providing personalized experiences and embracing the latest retail trends. In 2025, we’re focused on expanding our offerings, integrating more digital solutions, and continuing our commitment to quality and sustainability. With innovation and dedication, we’re confident this will be a year of growth not just for our business, but for the broader independent retail community. We’re energized by the possibilities ahead and are ready to build on our legacy in new and meaningful ways.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
At the Chicago Collective, we’re focused on building meaningful relationships that will drive our Lansky Bros. Clothier to the King private label brand to new heights. We are an American heritage brand with a connection to Elvis Presley, rock ‘n’ roll and fashion. Our website allows us to connect with customers internationally. We’re eager to connect with partners who share our vision and can help us innovate and expand our offerings. Maintaining strong relationships with our existing partners is equally important, as their support is vital to our continued success. Additionally, we’re excited to discover fresh and compelling products that align with our customers’ tastes and expectations. Our goal is to leave the Collective inspired and equipped with new opportunities to deliver exceptional value, style and quality to our customers while advancing our brand’s legacy.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
Being an independent retailer comes with unique challenges, from competing with larger chains and e-commerce platforms to navigating limited resources and the ever-changing needs of customers. However, these challenges also inspire us to focus on what sets us apart — our ability to create personalized, meaningful connections with our customers and our deep ties to the community. By staying committed to our legacy of quality, trust and service, while embracing innovation and new opportunities, we ensure that we not only meet these challenges but also continue to thrive for years to come.
Keith Kinkade, Kinkade’s, Ridgeland, Miss.
When was your business established?
Kinkade’s Fine Clothing was established in 2008. My wife and I started in about 1,000 square feet and now we are a little more than 3,000 square feet.
What are some of your key brands?
Our key vendors/partnerships are Coppley, Empire, Peerless and Novara to name a few in the clothing industry. We also have a strong sportswear department. Collections include Johnnie-O, Genteal, Duckhead, David Donahue and Faherty.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
We have an optimistic outlook on the retail industry as a whole for 2025. We will not see the great gains like 30 to 40 percent, but do believe 10 to 20 percent is much more achievable. We have been fortunate each year, we have grown more in some years and less in others, but always moving forward. We love this industry, we love the people who work with us each and every day: Our coworkers make our job awesome, we love our vendors, we talk to someone from one of our great list of vendors everyday, placing orders or special orders as needed. We love our customers, they have become great friends too, we see them when we are having dinners, going to church and even traveling out of state which is fun too.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
We have been attending Chicago Collective for more than 15 years, it was just getting off the ground, Bruce was there shaking hands and helping customers and vendors as much as he could, the new team of Danielle Owen, Monique Kielar and their team will do great things too. We look forward to seeing our vendors and working to accomplish our goals for another great fall and holiday season, one of our favorite parts of the years. Our customers will be attending fall weddings, football games and holiday parties, we cherish the opportunity to dress our customers for these incredible events.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
To answer this question, one must remember the vendors will change, they will come and go, we value the partnership from each, but one must remember we will not have the same ones 10 years from now. We love the ones we have now and wish we could keep them forever, but change is always a constant. We believe that you have to make the specialty store special. We look forward to the next 20 to 30 years and making it special.
Ben Magnuson, Martin Patrick 3, Minneapolis
When was your business established?
1994
What are some of your key brands?
Isaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Zegna and Eleventy.
What’s your outlook for 2025?
We are very optimistic that our sales will grow in both men’s and women’s, and we are buying accordingly.
What are you looking for at the Chicago Collective?
New accessories and new ideas in denim. We are always keeping an eye on trends for footwear and apparel although we have a large base of existing suppliers. It’s always good to see what the total marketplace is up to.
What are the unique challenges of being an independent retailer?
Balancing staffing, event planning and the constant flow of merchandise. It takes all hands and multiple hats every season, but that’s also part of the fun.
