Photo by Peter McCradyUnique selection draws interest in downtown shop
With custom clothing including suits, shirts and shoes, along with grooming accessories that easily could have been used by Jay Gatsby himself, Dandy's, The Gentleman's Store is helping make the men of Austin a little more dapper.
Wendy Bykowski, co-owner of Dandy's, said being in its own brick-and-mortar location has helped bolster business.
"On Christmas Eve, we were so busy I had to stop answering the phone because we had to go to family gatherings," Wendy said.
Wendy and her husband, Chris Bykowski, moved to the brick-and-mortar location in March 2013, and Wendy said the location has brought an interesting crowd into the store, including tourists from nearby hotels and curious passers-by.
"[Customers] end up coming back because they've seen the window and are kind of enticed by that," she said.
Wendy said some of the most popular custom items include suits, shirts and hats. She added that mustache wax and beard oil have also been hot sellers in the store.
As Dandy's moves into 2014, the owners are looking at how they can make the store a true destination for Austin's gentlemen by possibly including shoe shining, a barber's chair and hosting more events.
Dandy's, The Gentleman's Store, 411 Brazos St., Ste. 110, 512-999-8196, www.dandysuit.com, Hours: Tue.–Sat. Noon–7 p.m.
