Taffy's Menswear gets new location, new look

After 48 years at its St. Armands Circle location, the oldest retail merchant on the Circle, Taffy’s Menswear, is moving — two doors down.

According to Taffy’s owner Jack Peffley, the men’s apparel store will be moving in May from 14 S. Blvd. of the Presidents to 18 S. Blvd. of the Presidents.

“We’re very excited about the move,” says Peffley, who cites escalating rent and outdated facilities as primary reasons for the change in location.

The new building, which is currently occupied by R&R Bond Gallery, has a more updated interior and exterior, which Peffley hopes will draw new clientele.

“It’s like buying a car,” says Peffley. “If you don’t like the way it looks on the outside, you’re not even going to look at the inside.”

Peffley says he will also be putting in new flooring and bringing the new building’s windows out toward the sidewalk to expand the interior and make the storefront more visible to customers. The new building is about 2,500 square feet compared to Taffy’s current 3,400 square feet, but Peffley says the showroom square footage will be about the same.

The location isn’t the only part of the store’s makeover — the merchandise is being updated, as well.
Although the store will continue to carry its trademark bold-colored suits, ties and sport coats, newer, more casual styles will be added to accommodate current fashion trends.

“Customers today are different,” says Peffley. “Restaurants and yacht clubs aren’t requiring sport coats and tuxedos like they used to.”

One recent addition is denim jeans, which Taffy’s began selling for the first time last year. The stretch-denim trousers by luxury menswear brands St. Croix and Utility have been popular with customers, Peffley said.

Peffley has also added more golf attire to the store’s selection, including Loudmouth Golf, Cutter & Buck and Greg Norman.

Even with all of the changes taking place, there is one thing about Taffy’s that Peffley says will remain the same.

“We’re still the only place in town where you can get a pink sport coat,” Peffley says.

Contact Maria Amodio at [email protected]