Store has kept West Lake Hills well-dressed for a decade

For nearly 40 years, Randy Hutson has worked in the clothing business, helping people find the right outfit for the right occasion, and his method is simple: "Never give the client a reason to go somewhere else."

It is that idea that has kept Hutson Clothing Co., located at 3663 Bee Caves Road in Austin, a family-owned and -operated men's clothing store that strives to offer a personal relationship with each customer, Hutson said.

"Guys are simple beings," Hutson said. "Men want to be able to get in and get out and find everything they need. You want them to be comfortable, and that is what I try to do with my displays and my clothes."

Hutson's goal of keeping it comfy and simple has worked well because of the overwhelming customer service the store provides, he said.

The store has a tailor on-site to make sure the clothes fit properly, and Hutson always makes sure the tailor has time for last-minute alterations customers might need.

"Guys are notorious for putting things off," he said. "That is why we help them and always leave room for those last-minute adjustments. I think people really remember that you went out of your way to help them."

Helping people is just his personality, Hutson said. His desk is the front counter, and he enjoys meeting and working with people, but he didn't get his start in the retail business until a few years after he graduated from The University of Texas.

After getting his degree in accounting, something that has been very helpful in running his own business, Hutson said, he married into a family who owned a clothing store and it has been his life ever since. Although he sells clothes, his accounting experience has been invaluable, he said.

"I always tell people, 'You can be the greatest chef in the world, but if you don't know your costs, you could be losing money on every plate you serve.' You need to know how to pay the bills," Hutson said.

Hutson loves running his own business and said he has no plans for expansion, but finds the balance of work to family time to be the most challenging aspect of his job.

"You have to find a way to spend time with your kids and your grandkids," he said. "You have to get that time away from the store so you are recharged, and so you can be there for both your customers and your family."

Hutson has been there for his customers for more than a decade in the West Lake Hills area and enjoys making the shopping experience easy for his customers and helping them find the right clothes.

"That is what makes this a fun business," he said.

Hutson Clothing Co., 3663 Bee Caves Road, Austin, 512-732-0188, hutsonclothingtx.com