ROCK STARS OF LITTLE ROCK

After almost 100 combined years of serving their clientele, Wayne Ratcliff and Rick Maldonado both retired from Bauman’s in Little Rock. 

In the early ’80s, Wayne purchased a stake in Bauman’s and soon became its sole owner. Under his leadership, Bauman’s became one of the top clothing stores in the U.S. He’s been in the fine men’s apparel business for the past 56 years, starting at Lou Hoffman’s in downtown Little Rock when he was in his early 20s.

Prior to his 30-year tenure at Bauman’s, Rick worked as a buyer for Dillard’s and then became a vital part of the Bauman’s team in the late ’80s. As the shop leader, he was responsible for maintaining excellence in serving others, for which Bauman’s has been known for more than 100 years. 

Wayne and Rick have styled thousands of well-dressed men, becoming close friends with many of them. Their accomplishments have been featured in some of fashion’s most influential publications, including being named one of the country’s Top 100 Men’s Clothing Stores by Esquire magazine. They’ve also influenced the careers of many other men’s apparel execs, who went on to become stars in their own stores.

In 2019, Bauman’s became part of the Walker Brothers family of stores, still operating as Bauman’s with the same goals as always: exceptional product, tailoring, and service. Wayne will continue to work in the store by appointment only, and Rick and his family are moving to Shreveport.

Says John Cole from Walker Brothers, “Wayne and Rick have been great sellers, buyers, teachers, and friends. They’ve outfitted their clients with style and caring, and we are so grateful that they’ve become a key part of our team.”

We at MR wish Wayne and Rick much happiness, and greatly appreciate their contributions to the men’s fashion industry. It’s genuine role models like these two who continue to inspire us, and bring us all to greater heights.

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