Menswear Isn't Boring at Richard Bennett

Men need pampering, too.

When what’s needed is the crisp feel of a custom-made shirt, soft cashmere socks imported from Britain or Italy, or a cotton sweater that ushers in spring, you can find it, and more, at

In the same location for 30 years, at 207 Kings Highway, across from the Municipal Hall in a building that is on the National Register of Historic Places, the shop provides quality and service.

Emphasize the service, say owner Ron Santoro and his buyer for all three decades, Susan Berg. “You’re not going to find our things at Macy’s or Lord & Taylor. You can’t buy what we have at those shops,” said Berg.

Both she and Santoro epitomize low-key retailers because they have the goods that sell themselves. “We’ll deliver it to you if we have to,” said Berg. “Men come here for personal service, and women shop here for their men,” she said of the shop’s customers, who generally are 30 years old and up.

“We don’t get kids. We get professionals who dress for work or play. We’re very specialized,” she said. 

The stock includes a full range of sports and formal wear and changes with the season and fashion trends. “I buy with certain people in mind, absolutely. We’re very targeted to our clients, very focused,” said Berg. 

Custom-tailored shirts, beginning at $135, pull in a good share of their trade. “A lot of our guys are very difficult to fit,” said Berg. “A guy with a 19-inch neck and a 34-inch waist” isn’t going to find a stock dress shirt anywhere. 

Specialty fits generally aren’t the result of body-building, she says with a smile. “Not too many of our men have a lot of time to spend at the gym, but they all like to look good,” she said. 

All of the items stocked, from ties and belts, silk boxers, robes and cruise wear, are quality-selected from the cashmeres of Britain, and leather belts and jackets from Spain. The shop does not sell shoes. 

“We’re a strong leader in color,” including ties, handkerchief, socks and shirts.

“Most of the men buy navy or gray suits. They need a spark,” said Berg, who studies trade papers and goes to trade shows to pick up on style trends. 

The store itself is a pleasant visit, where Berg’s American cocker spaniel, Clancy, offers a greeting and a wag, but doesn’t bark or jump up. For more than six years, Clancy’s been as much of a fixture in the shop as sports memorabilia and models of antique cars. “He comes to work when I do and he’s off when I’m off,” she said. 

Spring cotton sweaters range from $130 to $335, made by St. Croix made in America (Winona, MN). As the weather warms, the stock will include T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits. “Now everyone is looking for a change from the winter,” she said. 

The Richard Bennett shop has used the same tailor for a decade.

Designer fashions stocked at the shop include Jack Victor, Zanella, Jack Lipson, St. Croix, Alberto Jeans, Haupt Shirts, Dion Neckware, Pantherella hosiery, and Empire outerwear. 

“There’s a big difference between buying here and elsewhere. At K & G, I can get a $99 suit, but it will fall apart,” said customer Marc Cohen of Cherry Hill, who stopped at the store to chat and then began looking through accessories. 

“And they always have dark chocolate Hershey kisses,” said Cohen, a musician and magician, as he snagged a bit of candy from a dish at the service desk. 

Clothing for Men is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will open other times by appointment.