Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
After seven years, Moris Fashions, recently renamed Moris Men's Shop, closed its doors yesterday.
In November 2005, Brian Smith and Michael Pagel dreamed of opening a men’s clothing store that could offer the perfect attire for both their professional and social lives. The following December, they delivered. Moris Fashions offered clothing in which "a man could express his independence, explore his personality, and, most importantly, feel comfortable, confident and refined."
Then, last year, after a failed attempt to introduce women’s clothing, Moris Fashions moved around the corner to a smaller location and rebranded as Moris Men’s Shop. With the new name came a new look, which Smith once described as a “polo club meets turn-of-the-century lounge,” inspired by similar shops in New York City.
Though the recent news of the store seemed to come abruptly, there was a sale of 40 percent off of everything in the store for nearly two weeks prior. It was originally classified as a one weekend-only Super Sale, in celebration of the Super Bowl, but the sale continued until the day of the closing.
To acknowledge the abrupt closing, Smith wrote this note on the company’s Facebook page:
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you Moris Fashions LLC (aka Moris Men’s Shop) is officially closed for business. I feel very fortunate to have met so many wonderful and fascinating people over the years! Your unwavering loyalty to shop locally was a constant inspiration and you will all be very missed! I am proud to call many of you my friends and I’m sure we will be seeing each other in the not too distant future. In the meantime I encourage each and every one of you to continue to shop locally and support the small businesses throughout our community. They really are what make our community so unique! Some great locally owned men’s stores are our friends at 10denza in the CWE or Woody’s Men’s Shop in Frontenac. I highly recommend both for not only their impeccable selection but their excellent customer service!”
Something that may diminish loyal customers’ disappointment is the fact that Smith will continue to create custom shirts and suits for men, through appointment only. He can be contacted at brian@morisfashions.com.
