Ryan Meserole owns a great business on Railroad Place.
Suited.co — recently rebranded as Quentin Row — is a men’s custom clothing shop. Directly opposite the train station, Ryan makes commuters (and many other folks) look and feel great.
A couple of miles away, Michael Connors has a thriving business too. Taylor Place — named for its location, between the library and Tiffany — is a consignment boutique, with an ever-changing treasure trove of intriguing items.
We often think of Saugatuck and downtown merchants as competitors. But Ryan and Michael forged a connection that’s a model for small local merchants, wherever they are in town.
Not long ago, Ryan wandered into Michael’s shop. He wanted some vintage pieces for his window display.
Michael already knew of Ryan from “06880.” The consignment owner asked the custom suit guy a few questions about marketing. Ryan helped re-build Michael’s website, and gave advice on how to leverage social media.
Michael — who has a wonderfully artistic eye — helped Ryan redecorate his storefront. He gave Ryan some sharp-looking furniture.
There’s now green ivy on the bricks, a new sign and alluring windows. Soon, Ryan will add a barber, stylists and shoeshine in the back, ramping up the men’s style vibe.
Quentin Row is going all out to be a great neighbor. Starting this Saturday, Ryan is opening up some of his newly renovated space as a holiday pop-up. For example, Lynn Reale of Gypsy Bleu Jewels will showcase her line of men’s beaded bracelets.
Artisans, craftsmen and other cool people interested in exhibiting at Quentin Row should email Ryan@suited.co.
Quentin Row also offers a Black Friday special (November 23 to 26): Buy one, get 50% off the second.
Michael and Ryan share a passion for Westport’s small businesses. Wherever they’re located in town, the 2 owners don’t want them to leave.
“The Chamber of Commerce helps where it can,” Ryan notes. “But 1-on-1 connections like this — sharing talents, helping each other — can really help revitalize Main Street, the rest of downtown, and Saugatuck.”
A vintage piece from Taylor Place, now on display at Quentin Row.
The idea is spreading. Ryan says that other stores on the block — like The Flat next door — are also freshening up their looks.
“If you don’t evolve, you die,” he notes. “We have to make sure that people enjoy shopping local.”
“No one wants to see a store like ours, or Michael’s — or Savvy + Grace, The Brownstone or Indulge by Mersene — go out. We all need to work together. And we’re having a great time doing it.”
The holiday season is here. Our local merchants work hard to draw shoppers in.
Now, they’re working together — to sew together our town.
