Friendly faces, quality products, on-site tailoring and competitive prices make store Stark County’s men’s clothing king.
Adam Goldman took a shot at opening his own men’s specialty clothing store 26 years ago.
The lessons he’s learned serve him well today. His store is in the midst of one of its most successful years yet.
Exclusive merchandise, expert tailoring on site and exceptional personal service keeps regulars coming back — and brings in many new faces.
“We’re the premier destination for designer men’s clothing in Canton,” Adam said. “We’re a full-service brand-name men’s clothing store, but we’re not as pricey as people think.”
In 1992, there was available space in the Belden Village Carpet building, owned by Adam’s parents, Ted and Gail. Adam had experience from The Diamond Co. and Christian St. John. Ted knew how to run a successful business.
Adam’s Men’s Clothier was born.
The store, at 4597 Belden Village Street NW in Canton, is across from Red Lobster.
“My dad said, ‘I’ll help you for six months, then you’re on your own,’” Adam said.
Twenty-six years later, Ted still comes in every day. Gail manages the back room and assists the store’s two tailors.
“From friendly faces to quality products and service, we have what men need to succeed professionally, socially and beyond,” Adam said.
Last year was the store’s best since 2007. This year is already ahead of last year’s pace. June, July and August are the dog days of summer, but wedding season helps.
“More wedding parties are buying matching suits instead of renting tuxedos elsewhere,” Adam said. “We’ve found a supplier that gets us quality products for competitive prices — as low as $199.”
The casual Friday trend has transitioned into a more relaxed dress code overall. Adam’s inventory has shifted a bit as a result.
Adam’s keeps its pricing competitive because it’s part of a large buying group.
“The No. 1 secret in this business is to have a good line of credit,” Adam said. “We’re now buying for spring 2019. With good credit, suppliers work with you. We’ll get a good deal when stores that had a rough winter can’t pay for their spring merchandise.”
The competitive environment has dramatically changed.
“More than 26 men’s clothing stores have gone out of business here since we opened,” Adam said. “Only Jos. A. Bank and Men’s Wearhouse have come to town.”
Adam’s flexibility helps it stand out.
“We carry an extensive inventory to fit most any man, and we offer on-site tailoring for the clothing we sell,” Adam said. “Almost all customers need tailoring for that perfect fit. When it looks nice, people talk about it.”
Competitors refer customers to Adam’s.
“We have the ability to fit challenging sizes and we can make alterations to suits purchased here quickly,” Adam said. “If someone needs a suit the same day for a funeral or a special occasion, we can accommodate them.”
Suits are the top seller at Adam’s. Sport coats are strong, too. Adam’s also offers dress and casual shirts, ties, belts, socks, coats and other accessories.
From Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors to Luchiano Visconti to Page and Tuttle, the store has a strong brand line-up.
While Adam’s is anything but high tech when it comes to operations, the store relies on online reviews for new customers.
“We had a plumber from Shreve come in after reading a positive online review,” Adam said. “Within 15 minutes, he bought a suit and was out the door.”
Adam’s gets many word-of-mouth referrals. The store has received several Canton Repository readers’ choice awards.
When customers come in, they’re ready to buy.
“Ninety percent of people who come in buy from us,” Ted said. “They’ve done their homework or heard good things.”
Adam’s helps men when they don’t know where to turn.
“Guys look for advice,” Adam said. “They want to look good. When we help them, they become loyal.”
Making people happy is a tradition.
“No one walks out unhappy,” Adam said. “People used to tell 10 others when they were unhappy. With social media, they tell the whole world. We make sure everyone gets what they need, even if they don’t buy from us.”
Adam’s supports our community. From the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to the Angel Auction and from the ballet to the United Way, giving back to Stark County is a priority.
Things are trending positively for men’s clothing stores.
“Young men want to get dressed,” Adam said. “It used to be just for special occasions. Slim-fit suits now make up about 15 percent of our business.”
Adam’s will keep tailoring its Stark County entrepreneurial spirit. Chances are, the store will find that custom-fit for continued growth.