There’s an old adage in retail: Nobody needs anything. That is undoubtedly true, but it doesn’t stop retailers from scouring the market to find the best new products that will encourage their customers to freshen their wardrobes for the upcoming season. WWD asked several specialty stores what they’re banking on for fall and what they’re planning to buy for spring. Here’s what they said:
Bob Mitchell, co-chief executive officer, Mitchells Stores, Westport, Conn.
“We’re most excited about soft jackets — knit or tailored unconstructed. We think that will be the big winner for fall and will continue into spring. Also, variations of pants will be important. We’re experimenting with elasticized waistbands in both dress and sport pants for comfort. And guys are going back to the office, so we think dress shirts will be strong for both fall and spring from brands including Eton, Isaia and Kiton.”
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Keith Kinkade, owner Kinkade’s Fine Clothing, Ridgeland, Miss.
“As we prepare for fall 2024, we have planned for months to achieve the best fall that we possibly can have — we had the best year in 2023 and we are hoping to make fall 2024 as good if not better. Our fall merchandise purchases are set to start arriving shortly from great vendor partners like Coppley, Johnnie-O, David Donahue and our Mississippi-owned Genteal. We believe each season these great brands get better and better within design, fit and style. Custom suits and sport coats from Coppley are a growing part of our store and we look forward to the opportunity they offer each season. We do a large number of items for our local students at the six community high schools. Many students either buy suits or sport coats for all the homecoming festivities. As plan our trip to Chicago Collective, we will be taking the opportunity to learn and see if there are additional items we can bring back to encourage and enhance our selection.”
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Ken Giddon, president, Rothmans, New York, N.Y.
“I am excited about our stretch comfort, double-breasted blazer coming in from Jack Victor for fall ’24. I am planning to buy some white linen, relaxed-fit drawstring pants from Citizens of Humanity [for spring].”
Casey McNeil, McNeil & Reedy, Rutland, Vt.
“We’re a fine men’s shop based in Vermont, and for fall, I’m banking on cashmere. From Italian wool and cashmere blazers made by Empire and TailoRed (Peerless), both made in Montreal, to cozy cashmere sweaters in natural earth tones that coordinate with Vermont’s changing foliage, our collection is designed for the season. For spring 2025, I plan to go all in on linen: specifically, I am looking for new linen suiting and linen blazers and will stick with our theme of natural colors. We had a great year selling higher-end linen and believe this look will continue to grow in 2025. We’re loving the emphasis on natural materials and colors as we head into the next season.”
Rush Wilson 3rd, Rush Wilson Limited, Greenville, S.C.
“For fall, we bought beautiful sport coats from Oxxford, Heritage Gold, Samuelsohn, Coppley, Empire, Jack Victor and Peter Millar in luxurious cashmere and camel hair as well as in beautiful and rich solids and classic plaids and checks. We’re going a little retro with large tartans and horse blanket plaids from Samuelsohn to have a little fun. For spring, we hope to be inspired when we get to the market in Chicago. Color and lightweight fabrics will drive our decision for purchases. We do live in the South, where cotton, seersucker and linen are worn. In sportswear, we hope to find beautiful and unique items in shirts, pants and soft coats.”
Ted Silver, president, Weiss & Goldring, Alexandria, La.
“I’m pretty optimistic about fall ’24. We got some early deliveries and we’re already selling cashmere shirts, outerwear and topcoats. We’re in the South, so we concentrate on what can be worn year-round. Having techno attributes is also important, so we’re selling Johnnie-O zip-ups, new stretch blazers from Jack Victor, Castangia outerwear and softer clothing and dress sneakers. I’m also seeing a return to trousers, not five-pockets, and we have to come up with a shirt to wear with it. The untucked trend, hopefully, is waning. Our active business with Vuori and On especially, is doing well and we also sell a lot of what we call ‘other’ — Baccarat crystal, glasses, knives, cookwear, things that are not menswear.”