There is a special shop in the heart of Lake Forest filled with lots of love and an immaculate sense of community; Smith’s Men’s Store is a staple in our small town, and there is no doubt that its legacy has left a mark on many.
Established by John Tadel in 1937, and then relocated to Western Avenue in 1988, Smith’s has continued to produce high end men’s retail. The store was remodeled in the Spring of 2019, and is now owned by couple Trey Gonzales & Kip Helverson, who have pioneered the art of classic retail sales in Lake Forest. They have recently opened a second location on Elm Street in Winnetka, where they are expanding their business and producing quality items for a new demographic amongst the North Shore.
A couple LFHS students work as sales associates at Smith’s Men’s Store, and the experience has created a large impact on their lives. Junior Ethan Farrell looks back on his journey, and when he began working at the store.
“I started working at Smith’s by reaching out to someone at the store to learn about the process. I filled out an application, had an interview, and now I have been working there for a little under six months,” Farrell said.
Junior Adler Schlacher, a Smith’s salesman, recalls how he began working in retail at Smith’s.
“Originally, I found out that my good friend Ethan Farrell was working there, so I decided to introduce the idea to my parents. My step dad said he knew Trey, one of the owners, so I decided to apply,” Schlacher said.
Nanette Jenkins embodies the spirit of Smith’s on an immaculate level, illuminating the store with her bright personality and enthusiasm. “I had never stepped foot in the store before the day I applied, and I’ve never been happier that I did,” said Jenkins. “I certainly wasn’t expecting to meet a whole new crop of genuine friends in my 40’s when I saw that funny display in the window that day. Sometimes it’s like The Office, but retail. We hangout outside of work too!”
Schlacher and Farrell enjoy the working environment at Smith’s the most.
“I work around some of the most amazing and genuine people. That’s what makes the job truly the best,” said Schlacher. “My favorite part of working is all of my coworkers, who are the nicest people in the world, that I can joke around with while still knowing what we need to do,” Farrell said.
Smith’s carries high end, classic men’s clothing, which is loved by its customers and staff members.
“I’d say my favorite brand the story carries would be Alan Paine, they produce some amazing hunting jackets, cashmere and merino sweaters, and many more quality items,” Schlacher said.
The variety of brands carried at Smith’s caters to many different people and their unique styles. “I’m a big fan of Duck Head. Their anniversary line is an awesome throwback and stirs up some serious nostalgia, and of course Johnnie O can do no wrong when it comes to threads,” Jenkins said.
Smith’s is unique, as it gathers some of the most sought after brands in Men’s clothing to sell in an old fashioned manner.
“The key factor that sets Smith’s apart from other stores would be the constant change in clothing we have coming through the store,” said Schlacher. “Our owners, Trey and Kip, are constantly attending trunk shows and clothing conventions where brands show off all of their new products which gives the store a fresh and unique feeling compared to the other stores.”
Schlacher has mastered the art of being a salesperson, sharing his technique. “When helping a customer find the perfect item, I start by asking what they’re looking for… color, texture, feel etc. Then we’re able to start to narrow down a certain line of products in which the customer can choose which would suit them best,” Schlacher said.
Every employee has their individual sales strategies but they all share one thing in common. “The personal touch is the most special part about Smith’s. What I mean by that is we are ready, willing and able to help but at the same time, if someone walks in and says they’re just in for a browse, we don’t hover,” Jenkins said. “I just strike up a conversation and see where it leads, but not a scripted one. Sometimes a client knows exactly what they need, and sometimes not, I follow their lead… like a dance! Cheesy but true.”
Though Smith’s is known for producing classic pieces for the people of Lake Forest, their community brings everyone together, creating a comforting retail experience.
“Every single Smith’s employee has a great attitude and personality, which creates the warm and welcoming environment that everyone knows and loves about us,” Schlacher said.
Smith’s employees embody the spirit of the classic tradition of retail sales.
“I think that the neighborly feeling that we have sets us apart. Nearly everybody who walks into the store knows someone working or came in because they thought the design inside the window was interesting. This creates an environment that people love,” Farell said.
