Smith's Mens Store Remains True to Its Trade

When Walter Smith opened Smith's Men’s Store in the Lake Forest Market Square in 1937, perhaps he envisioned his American dream becoming a fixture on the Lake Forest retail scene 75 years later.

Smith’s Lake Forest shop has not changed dramatically despite decades of fashion trend changes, staff adjustments, an increased transient population and the store's physical location shift from the original Market Square shop to the old Emporium Luggage spot to its Western Avenue location.

Owner John Tadel described the store as “a traditional conservative store that never tried to be anything we are not.”

In a retail age shifting toward online sales, Smith’s stands by the personal touch.

"We have no Internet presence and hold only two sales a year," said Tadel. “In the early days Robertson stores also offered men’s merchandise. Since we were competing with some of the items, we would talk with each other and carry different suit and tie lines with comparable prices so no one felt gouged."

Following the Smith family store lead, “at times Smith’s is a gathering place” said Tadel. Customers drop by to chat about golf, provide updates on family members, listen to the local stories and maybe pick up a pair of pants.

Chris Yore, former co-owner with Tadel, noted that previous owners Jackie and Brook Smith were very active in the community. Brook Smith was in the jazz band and had a gun and car collection.

“The old store was like a barber shop” said Yore. “He was an interesting guy which attracted a lot of people” agreed Tadel.

Tadel, a Lake Forest native, started work as an employee at Smith Men’s Store in 1972. In 1988, Tadel and Yore bought out Smith. Shortly thereafter, Yore relocated out of state but is now back in the area, working part-time for Tadel during peak periods.

In the business for more than 35 years, Tadel and Yore recalled when IBM employees could wear only white shirts to work. The demand for suits started decreasing about 25 years ago, ties about 10 years ago, explained Tadel. 

“Back then it was easier for customers, they just had to pick out a shirt and tie and wear the suit. They did not have to think as much what parts went with what shirt,” said Tadel. “After being in the business for so long you get a feel for the customers and what they like. Today we still see a request for the classic uniform of blue blazer with grey pants, and white shirts remain our best seller."

Smith’s Men's Store is open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays.