Mr. Shop, a family-owned business, prides itself on being a modern, high-end men’s store. Though the Armory Square men’s boutique has been around since 1990, owner Joel Shapiro keeps up with the ever-evolving fashion industry. Shapiro spoke to The Daily Orange about his experiences in the fashion industry, his opinions on the changing retail environment and his secret to success.

The Daily Orange: What made you decide to open up a boutique?

Joel Shapiro: We’ve always been in men’s fashion and the idea of opening in Armory Square fit because it was a new and upcoming area at the time. Our clothing is very contemporary, not classic. We have brands like Hugo Boss, Theory, Zegna — higher-end lines — and we’re known for being very contemporary.

The D.O.: What’s your favorite part about owning a boutique?

J.S.: Dealing with the cutting edge of fashion. Everything we’re doing is very modern. We’re a very forward thinking fashion store — it’s exciting.

The D.O.: What about your least favorite part?

J.S.: It’s business. I still have to run a business. If you could dress everyone everyday and not have to deal with all the other stuff, that would be awesome.

The D.O.: What has been the most rewarding experience?

J.S.: Dealing with great customers and dressing them.

The D.O.: How have things changed in retail since you first opened?

J.S.: Fashion changes all the time and you just have to keep up with it. You must have the willingness to change and move forward. Just because it was in last year, doesn’t mean it will be this year. You always have to be two steps ahead.

The D.O.: How has your store been so successful and managed to stay open for so long?

J.S.: Stores that have been able to continue to bring in the modern flavor survive; those who didn’t are no longer around. We need to be forward thinking. We’re a business that is not about selling widgets. It’s fashion. If you are not up to date, you go down.

The D.O.: What and who influence you when you are buying for your store?

J.S.: The market — we look at what’s happening in the market. Just because we’re in Syracuse, New York, doesn’t mean we don’t look at what’s happening out there in the fashion world. We read what’s happening and then we go to the trade shows and see what’s being promoted. We buy six to eight months in advance, so we have to have a good, keen idea of what’s going on for the next season.

The D.O.: What are some brands that do really well in the stores?

J.S.: Ted Baker, Robert Graham, Donald Pliner shoes, Cole Haan shoes. We also have a very large custom-made business. We do custom suits for assistant basketball coach Mike Hopkins, athletic director Daryl Gross and (former) dean of the business school Melvin Stith.

The D.O.: What are some wardrobe essentials for men?

J.S.: It’s not about essentials anymore. It’s about what’s in — in today’s world. Years ago, you’d be able to buy a suit and keep it for 10 years. Not today. Men’s fashion is changing just as fast as the women’s business does. That’s the way business works now. Everything changes.

The D.O.: I know you used to own Bounce, Jet Black and Frankie & Faye. What made you decide to sell those businesses?

J.S.: It’s simple. The Gold family wanted to buy them, and business is business. If everything is right, it happens. It was a really good business move for everybody involved.

The D.O.: What are three words you would use to describe Mr. Shop?

J.S.: Fit, feel and fashion. It has to fit right, feel good and be in fashion.

The D.O.: What motivates you to continue doing what you’re doing?

J.S.: I love the fashion world. Fashion is a very exciting thing. It’s rare to find something that changes so quickly. I’m not selling widgets, potato chips or chocolates — it changes. That’s what’s so exciting to me. It continually evolves.

Published on October 22, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Eliza: etweinre@syr.edu