Trunk Shows

August and September are trunk show months at many men’s stores. The term “trunk show” originated from the early days of traveling haberdashery salesmen who traveled from town to town plying their trade with clothing carried in huge steamer trunks. Today the trunk has been replaced by the rolling rack, but many shoe salesmen still use custom fitted trunks. And the term “trunk show” has evolved into meaning a special sales event held at your local specialty store by a representative from a particular clothing company.

There are 5 reasons you should attend a trunk show:

1.                            Best selection- The vendor’s representative will show you a much wider selection than what is normally carried in your favorite store. It’s simply impossible for the buyer at your store to buy everything you’d like, and his or her taste may differ from yours.

2.                            Individualized style- At a trunk show you have a much greater chance of choosing something unique that you won’t see on someone else as you walk down the street.

3.                            Value- There’s rarely an upcharge for made-to-measure clothing during a trunk show. Often vendors will also include something else of value to further enhance your experience, such as a complimentary tie or shirt with a suit.

4.                            Best Fit- Your vendor’s representative will take your measurements, and can match you with different programs often not sold at the store. An example would be a particular style or rise in a brand of trousers, or a trimmer fit in a shirt, or a particular necktie your favorite store didn’t happen to order. In short order you will be delivered a garment that fits much better than off-the-rack. If you’re a hard-to-fit size, a trunk show is the only way to go.

5.                            Ambience- Many specialty stores now have multivendor trunk shows, with wine, food, and other enticements to fully enhance your shopping experience. More often than not, these events also donate parts of their proceeds to local charities.

Now what could be better than that- choosing your favorite clothes from your favorite vendors at your favorite store, and helping your community at the same time?