Benjamin Peters, a menswear store established in Ithaca in 1994, is undergoing a significant revitalization under new leadership. By shifting focus to high-quality, in-house tailoring and locally produced accessories, the store is enhancing its reputation for craftsmanship and personal service in an era dominated by fast fashion.
Key Takeaways
- Benjamin Peters, an Ithaca menswear store founded in 1994, is updating its services under the leadership of Sam & Mickey.
- The store has brought its tailoring workshop in-house, offering precise custom fits with a standard 1-2 week turnaround.
- A new line of “house made” accessories, including ties and tote bags, are now crafted on-site in Ithaca.
- The strategy emphasizes quality craftsmanship and personal service to compete with mass-market retailers.
A New Era for an Ithaca Institution
Located in the heart of Ithaca’s Commons, Benjamin Peters has been a fixture for men's clothing, sportswear, and footwear for three decades. Founded in August 1994, the store built its legacy on providing quality garments and personalized customer service.
Under the new direction of its leadership team, Sam and Mickey, the store is not just preserving its history but actively building upon it. They have identified key areas for improvement, aiming to deepen the store's connection to the community and its commitment to exceptional quality.
A Legacy of Service
Since its inception, Benjamin Peters has been known for offering one of the region's largest selections of suits and sportscoats. The store's founding principles included excellent value and expert tailoring, creating a loyal customer base over the years. The current leadership is leveraging this strong foundation to introduce modern enhancements.
The Return of In-House Craftsmanship
One of the most significant changes implemented at Benjamin Peters is the complete overhaul of its tailoring program. While tailoring was always a part of the store's offerings, the workshop has been brought back entirely in-house. This move gives the store direct control over the quality and speed of alterations.
This renewed focus on precision has resonated with customers, earning the store the title of Finger Lakes’ Favorite tailor shop for two consecutive years. The in-house team handles a wide range of adjustments, ensuring every garment fits the customer perfectly.
Details of the Tailoring Program
The updated tailoring services are designed for both convenience and quality. The store's capabilities include:
- Standard Alterations: Services range from basic hems and cuff adjustments to more complex resizing of sport coats and suits.
- Turnaround Time: Most standard tailoring jobs are completed within one to two weeks.
- Express Service: An express option is available for customers who need alterations completed on a tighter schedule.
By investing in its own workshop, Benjamin Peters ensures a level of detail and consistency that distinguishes it from retailers that outsource their tailoring needs. This commitment reinforces the store's position as a destination for clothing that is truly made to fit.
Award-Winning Service
The dedication to skilled tailoring has been publicly recognized. For two years in a row, local customers voted Benjamin Peters as the Finger Lakes' Favorite tailor shop, highlighting the success of the revitalized in-house program.
Introducing Locally Made Accessories
The expansion of the in-house team has created new opportunities for product development. Benjamin Peters has introduced a collection of “house made” accessories that are designed and created right in the Ithaca shop. This initiative adds a unique, local element to the store's inventory.
Initial products in this line include handmade, satin-lined tote bags and a limited collection of ties. These items allow the store to showcase the skills of its team while offering customers exclusive products they cannot find elsewhere. This move taps into a growing consumer desire for locally sourced and crafted goods.
"What Sam and Mickey are doing isn’t just business growth, it’s stewardship. They are stewarding a legacy, while listening to what customers want today."
A Strategy Focused on Enduring Value
The changes at Benjamin Peters reflect a deliberate business strategy that prioritizes quality and community connection over the high-volume, low-cost model of fast fashion. The leadership is betting that modern consumers still value durable, well-fitting clothing and expert guidance.
This approach is built on several core principles:
- Personal Service: The staff takes the time to understand a customer's style and fit requirements, providing a highly personalized shopping experience.
- Quality Over Speed: The store focuses on timeless style and durable construction, offering an alternative to disposable fashion trends.
- Local Identity: By investing in local tailoring talent and producing goods in-house, Benjamin Peters strengthens its roots in the Ithaca community and contributes to the vitality of the downtown area.
Customer feedback suggests this strategy is working. Reviews frequently praise the attentive service, the precision of the tailoring, and the staff's ability to help clients build an authentic wardrobe.
The Future for Benjamin Peters
With a successful revitalization well underway, the leadership team is looking toward the future. The progress made in recent years has laid the groundwork for further growth and innovation.
Potential future initiatives could include expanding the “house made” collection to include other accessories or small apparel items. There is also an opportunity to host in-store events, such as style consultations or workshops on topics like tie-making, to further engage the community. Collaborations with other local artisans for unique fabrics or limited-edition products also remain a possibility.
By continuing to focus on its core strengths of craftsmanship and service, Benjamin Peters is positioning itself not just to survive in a challenging retail landscape, but to thrive as a unique and valued local business.
