At Rothmans, selecting the right brands isn’t just about trends—it’s about quality, style, and what truly works for our customers. Our experienced buying team brings a mix of strategy, taste, and a sharp eye for what’s next in menswear.
Meet the Team:
Ken – Co-owner and strategic director. He’s got a sharp business mind and a surprisingly great fashion sense for a guy who defaults to hoodies and black T-shirts.
Jim – Co-owner and the numbers guy. He has impeccable style but also keeps a close eye on data and performance. He’s heard plenty of compelling sales pitches, but at the end of the day, the numbers don’t lie.
Lacy – General Merchandise Manager and Fashion Director. If it’s in our stores, she’s approved it. With a laser-sharp eye for fashion and an uncanny memory for every buying meeting, she has helped launch many new designers in NYC.
Will – Director of the Brand and Buyer for Rothmans Next. He’s always searching for the future of menswear, pushing us to step outside our comfort zone and keep our lineup fresh and innovative.
Here’s how we do it:
Exploring the Market
The search for the best brands takes us from global fashion hubs to local showrooms. We start at Pitti Uomo in Florence, where we get a sense of where menswear is heading. From there, we visit major vendors like Canali and Corneliani, then hit domestic trade shows like Chicago Collective and Project. The final stretch is four days of back-to-back meetings, reviewing countless collections, and discovering new brands that might be the next big thing.
Evaluating Performance
Twice a year, we take a deep dive into our sales reports and analyze how each brand performs. We look at sell-through rates, margins, and customer feedback, but we also trust our instincts. If a brand isn’t resonating with our customers—or if the quality isn’t holding up—it doesn’t make the cut. A great product isn’t just about numbers; it has to bring style, function, and excitement to the people who shop with us. That’s why we choose only what meets our high standards, so you get clothing that looks better, feels better, and lasts longer.
Swatch Party Decisions
Twice a year, we hold our internal buying meeting—an event we still call the “Swatch Party,” even though most decisions now involve thousands of digital photos. This is where the real debates happen. We compare fabrics, discuss fits, and scrutinize details to make sure every piece aligns with our standards. While two pieces may look similar at a glance, we see the details—like the way a fabric drapes, the precision of a seam, or the durability of a finish—that make the difference between a good piece and a great one
Curation & Distribution
Choosing great merchandise is just the beginning—next, we decide how to distribute it across our stores. Each location has its own personality, so we tailor selections accordingly. We carefully plan delivery timelines, balance inventory, and coordinate with our vendors to ensure everything arrives at the right time. As one of the largest independent menswear stores in the country, our choices matter not just to our customers, but also to the brands we carry.
Customer First
No matter how much we love a designer or how long we’ve worked with a brand, our ultimate loyalty is to our customers. Every item we choose has to align with their needs—whether it’s timeless tailoring, casual staples, or emerging trends. Beautiful clothing at fair prices, with real value and longevity, is what makes the cut. We hold ourselves and our vendors to high standards because that’s what our customers deserve.
We take pride in our process so that you can trust what’s on our shelves.
