MATT SINGER: ON THE MOVE

When One Door Closes… We all know the old saying, and it’s true: there are always new opportunities for those willing to take a few risks, learn a few skills, and look at life from a fresh perspective.

Photo, above: “Closing a business is part of the journey: it’s just business; you learn from it, and you move on.” Matt Singer, with his 14-year-old son Eli.

Matt Singer, co-founder of M.Singer sportswear, exemplifies a winning attitude when faced with the tough decision of whether to go forward with his self-funded business that he put his heart and soul into for a full decade.

“It’s a humbling experience,” he confides. “And I can’t quite believe we closed it. But in a sense, it was an easy decision. We gave it our all, had some good years, learned a lot, and it was time to move on. I’m not angry, I’m not resentful, I built many strong relationships that will move forward with me…”

Asked what he might have done differently in the 10 years of M.Singer, Matt is thoughtful. “We probably should have brought in a third partner early on, someone with different expertise. Both Jeffrey and I are more creative than strategic; a third partner with different skills would have been helpful…” Matt also wishes that he’d been less empathetic to other people’s needs. “At the end of the day, you have to protect what’s yours. We all talk ‘partnerships’ but as an industry, we tend to use the word a little too loosely. (I say that with love…) My advice to young people coming into the business: Stay true to your DNA, do what you believe is right for your brand. Don’t compromise too much. And find a lot of money; you’re going to need it! The cost of doing business today is crazy!”

With several years of experience at Neiman’s, Bergdorf’s, and Bloomingdale’s before his decade at M.Singer, Matt is delighted to return to Bloomingdale’s as a creative consultant for The Men’s Store private label. “I’m so happy to be back! I love the people, I love the culture; it feels like coming home.”

Matt also hopes to put his product development talent to work consulting for other men’s brands. But in the meantime, he loves the opportunity to caddie for his son Eli, a golf star at age 14 who just won his first tournament. Way to go, Eli!