Making Its Mark
Posted on 16th February 2018 at 14:40
Jim Markey Mans Shop Features in the February 2018 edition of Futura Magazine
LOCATION Situated in the heart of Drumcondra on Dublin’s north side, where it has pride of place for 40 years, Jim Markey Man’s Shop has an enviable location. Not only is it instantly visible for the thousands that pass along the Lower Drumcondra Road each day, whether on foot, in car or on public transport, but it is the only independent menswear retailer in the area.
The store has the added advantage of offering customer parking to the rear – an invaluable asset on such a busy thoroughfare.
WINDOW DISPLAY At the tail end of January, signage indicated that the Christmas Sale was still in operation. A clean and uncluttered display featured a mix of formal and casual wear, as well as accessories such as shoes, giving a brief snapshot into the stock that lies beyond.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS A Saturday morning visit found the shop in pristine condition. A warm greeting was instantly offered by an immaculately suited member of staff (later discovered to be one of the owners, Alan Markey), who was busy attending to a husband-and-wife couple.
What was apparent upon entry is how deceptive the store is from the front – its interior is significantly larger than might be anticipated from the outside – and how extensive its offering really is. Whether it’s a groom looking to get suited and booted for his big day, a twenty-something seeking some smart-casual clothes or a 50-plus gent wanting to update his wardrobe, all (and more) are catered at Jim Markey Man’s Shop.
STOCK From formal to casual and anything inbetween, chances are it’s available here!
A diverse range of brands is offered across the board, while prices cater to pockets of varying depths. Baumler, Digel and Roy Robson are amongst the key brands in suiting, where prices start from €399, while Magee and Atelier Torino are included in the mix for jackets and blazers.
Shirts in assorted colours and styles catch the eye elsewhere. Priced from €59, key brands here include CasaModa, Olymp and Eden Park.
Casualwear is equally well represented by the likes of Bugatti and Eden Park, to name but two labels. An extensive range of trousers, meanwhile, features designs from the likes of Meyer, Gardeur and Bruhl.
Towards the front of the store, knitwear is available from brands such as CasaModa, Bugatti, Kellerman and Eden Park; as well as a selection of Jockey underwear, Pringle socks, Gilt Edge ties and assorted leather belts from Monti. Completing the product offering is a well edited range of men’s shoes, encompassing formal and casual styles. ECCO, Anatomic and Bugatti appeared to be the main brands stocked.
DÉCOR & DISPLAY Inside, the emphasis is on a clean and uncluttered interior that allows the product to shine.
A laminate wooden floor is complemented by solid wooden display units that are fitted across the walls. Elsewhere, blue is the dominant colour in a masculine interior that enjoys ample illumination via strategically positioned spotlighting.
VERDICT It’s not hard to see how Jim Markey Man’s Shop has survived in business for 40 years (and counting). The owners, brothers Declan and Alan, know their stock and, crucially, know their clientele.
The store doesn’t seek to reinvent the wheel; instead, it offers an excellent selection of formal and casualwear that caters to its customers. And that, after all, is the point of retail.
http://skypublishing.ie
Futura Magazine
Published: February 2018
Editor: Alexander Fitzgerald
Re-Published With Kind Permission 16/02/2018
Tagged as: Futura Magazine
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