After 49 years Top Shelf is experiencing some very big changes. We aren’t going out of business, but we are moving from our home base in the Lyn Lake district for the last 25 years. We’ve sold the building and are changing the business model with an eye toward the future. The news has already been erroneously reported that we are closing the business but that’s not the case. We don’t have a new location for seeing clients yet, but we have several opportunities that we’re exploring. Regular existing customers can still access us for appointments.
Why is this happening?
First and foremost, John and Pat, owner’s since inception are both 71. Running a small business has many rewards. Working 50-60 hours a week is not one of them. We have two children and two grandchildren and we want to spend the last quarter of our life being present in their lives. We also want to try and travel more while we still have good health. Taking time off is not easy when you run a small business.
There are several other compelling reasons that are too numerous to list in a short form. The casualization of America has changed the landscape for the type of highly tailored, investment grade custom clothing that we have always aspired to be the best at. Today, special events are what keeps the doors open, and although people still want to own some good suits, they have much less occasion to get dressed up.
What does this mean for existing customers?
We’ll continue to operate our work room for at least 6 months, and complete all the orders and projects we have on-going.
We’ll continue to accept orders from existing customers whose records we have carefully maintained from at least the last 10 years. This can only be done on a strict appointment only basis. The location for sales, fittings and deliveries is in works and might change over time while we explore options that fit our schedule and needs. No rush orders or orders with too much complexity will be accepted while we are in transition.
The best way to reach someone during transition is to send an e-mail to John@TopShelfInc.com and he’ll respond as promptly as possible.
What happens to the alteration side of the business?
The majority of that business will be referred to other tailor shops that we’ve been sending clients to for the last several years, such as Tailors on Blake in Hopkins and Sew Biz in downtown Minneapolis which are owned and operated by alumni of Top Shelf. We stopped accepting retail alterations a few years ago and directed clients to these shops and have heard nothing except good things about them. There are a few other tailor shops we can also recommend.
We are very grateful for all the loyalty and support over the last 49 years. It’s time for the next chapter!
Sincerely, John and Pat Meegan