The Mister Guy fine apparel stores in Ladue are approaching an impressive four-decade anniversary. With that in mind, owners Sarah and Simon Rhim decided 2019 would be an ideal year to update and upgrade. To better serve their clientele, the couple renovated and relaunched their men’s and women’s stores in adjoining spots at 9811 and 9817 Clayton Road.
The Mister Guy Men’s store previously was located just down the street, but when space became available next to the women’s store, the owners drew up a plan to bring the two shops together. They undertook a major renovation effort to freshen the interior, rebranded the women’s store as MG Women and updated their e-commerce site. Now, Sarah Rhim says, it’s easier for the stores to hold joint promotions and events, and busy couples and families can shop together more conveniently. “In the past, the Mister Guy brand had 16 sites across the Midwest and southern United States,” she says. “They did well with side-by-side men’s and women’s locations, so we decided to revisit that idea and put down some new roots in St. Louis.”
Today, the company consists only of the two Ladue stores, but the Rhims are excited about creating a bright future for the business. They took it over from Sarah’s parents, Terry and Carla Felumb, about 10 years ago and spent several months on this year’s remodel. “We added modern fixtures, put in pale wood floors, and repainted and redecorated, among other changes,” Rhim explains. “There are new jewelry cases on the women’s side, and the men’s clothing and shoe departments are larger now. The overall aesthetic is very comfortable and contemporary. Our new interior really makes the clothes and accessories pop.” The total space is about 6,000 square feet, and the stores offer tailoring, styling assistance and other services to personalize the shopping experience. Rhim says the company also is courting the attention of young adult shoppers with brands like Veronica Beard, Mother Denim and Suncoo.
To spotlight all that’s new, the Rhims are planning a grand opening party from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16. “We want to welcome new shoppers and thank generations of clients and associates who have supported us over the years,” Rhim says. “There will be red carpet photo opportunities, music, food and more. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Mister Guy fashions, both vintage and current, and proceeds will support Friends of Kids with Cancer.”
Combined trunk shows, holiday gift shopping promotions, new jewelry lines for women, and other nonprofit partner events are on the horizon as well. “We are looking forward to the Glennon Card fundraising program Oct. 18 through 27,” Rhim says. “We get very involved with that and enjoy helping shoppers find the perfect clothes and gifts.”
She and Simon plan to continue their emphasis on seamless customer service well into the future. “It’s a big deal to be in the apparel business this long, and we want to celebrate that,” she says.
Photo courtesy of Mister Guy
