Style-Conscious Men Drive Expansion Of Retail, Grooming Shops

Kevin Jones felt his way through a book of fabric last month, contemplating a pricey decision. He planned to order a cashmere blazer from Established Bespoke, a custom men’s clothing retailer in Houston. At about $2,200, it would add another layer of luxury to a tailored wardrobe complete with shiny Italian leather shoes. “I know it seems a little shallow, but it really does matter,” he said. “Shined shoes are an important thing.” Jones, a 59-year-old financial consultant, is one of a growing number of Houston men whose appearance demands more than off-the-shelf suits and bargain haircuts, a trend that has fueled the expansion of high-end men’s retail and grooming establishments throughout the city. In the last several years, Houston has added a number of such storefronts, including luxury retailers John Lobb and Canali and upscale barbershops Argyle League and Cutthroat Barbers. This year, the momentum is expected to continue as more open in the area, mirroring a national trend. The market for menswear climbed 13 percent between 2010 and 2015, according to data from Euromonitor, and the market for men’s grooming products jumped 15 percent during the same period. Read more at Houston Chronicle.