The power of the future in menswear is currently based on the notion of apparel becoming part of a group or better yet, a hybrid unto itself. By improving its effectiveness, modern fashion collaborations now have each respective sector contributing to synergistically shape the evolutionary journey that turns the fashion participants into the catalysts of change for tomorrow. If we look at desirable retail models today, we can surely find numerous partnerships with leading menswear brands as well as validation on selected growth strategies. Many of us seem to relish the death of brick and mortar retail these days. Nevertheless, we don't often enough mention how innovative ideas have challenged the so called death sentence of brick and mortar retail. On the contrary, exciting new ideas are being rolled forward each day. I recently reviewed a company that is playing a key role in supporting retail to the latest market trends and industry demands.
Mark Bollman founded Ball and Buck in 2008 with the mission of teaming up with American Craftsmen to build a brand that offers quality Made in USA products. Now, almost 10 years later, he is well on his way to accomplishing that mission with a downtown Boston flagship store and e-commerce site found at ballandbuck.com that offers not only a fine selection of American made menswear and lifestyle products but a growing line of sportswear under the same name. The brand has also collaborated with such celebrated American brands as New Balance, Dickies, Danner, and Allen Edmunds among others on limited edition capsule collections. Essentially, Ball and Buck is The Farm-To-Table Of Menswear.
Moving forward, in 2012 Bollman introduced the first annual American Field event, one of the largest pop-up markets of Made in USA brands, in order to educate consumers so they can make informed decisions on where to spend their money. Participating brands since then have included L.L. Bean, Red Wing Shoes, Randolph, Rancourt & Co, Montauk Tackle. Co, Freeman, Four Roses, among other brands. The number of brands is growing and giving incentive to brands that manufacturer in the USA. The company’s commitment to quality and authenticity helps ensure unparalleled craftsmanship.
Make no bones about it, Ball and Buck is for the sporting gentleman. It now opens in Atlanta, Georgia in partnership with AF (American Field). Founder Mark Bollman chose Atlanta as the home for the concept-shop as a city of innovation and opportunity. The Atlanta boutique will feature quality lifestyle and sporting apparel along with a curated selection of brands from the popular AF pop up market. What's interesting is that it will give shoppers the opportunity to connect with the Atlanta-based entrepreneurs behind the hottest new startups. The Atlanta Ball and Buck Outfitters will offer a similar curated group of artisans and heritage designers, along with its own brand, all with personal service and including pop-up events.
"Atlanta is a hub of creativity and innovation. We want to be a part of that narrative by opening a concept shop that connects entrepreneurs and artists with local customers eager to discover new brands." says Mark Bollman.
Recently Mark Bollman set out to aim and redefine the retail experience by teaming up with A.F., the curated pop-up of artisans and startups. I find that the expansion of the brand in conjunction with AF is indicative of both brands’ joint mission to:
- develop the shop-local movement
- engage consumers through in-store collaborative, lifestyle-driven events and services produced by both budding entrepreneurs and recognizable industry players.
By teaming up with the multi-brand A.F. pop-up, Ball and Buck can offer quality and craftsmanship but with an even greater array of products and new brands. In 2018 A.F. has included such brands such as Aviator Nation, the the retro-inspired California Lifestyle brand popular with celebrities; Mayson Clothing, clothing made for the future; Bulletproof 360, a high performance food, beverage, and supplement brand; Olaf Olsson neckwear; as well as lifestyle brands such as Brooklyn Butcher Blocks; and Stonehill Design, a lighting brand.The Ball and Buck & A.F. retail locations will be an engaging environment and give shoppers the opportunity to connect with the local craftsmen and entrepreneurs behind the hottest new startups. In a word, AF is on a mission to make shopping fun again by redefining the consumer shopping experience every day. The focus of AF is to build lasting relationships between consumers and brands. AF was conceived by the desire to highlight innovative brands crafting long-lasting, quality goods. The curated group of artisans and heritage designers focus on authenticity; shoppers can discover and learn about emerging global companies. AF is the pop-up that combines the best of a food and beverage smorgasbord with a fashion and lifestyle flea market. AF puts a spotlight on authentic, high quality products and experiences, and connects makers and startups within the fashion, food, lifestyle, and home industries directly with consumers, creating a fun and engaging marketplace. The pop-up is a destination to discover innovative and buzz-worthy brands from around the world, featuring over 50 artisans and startups in food and beverage, design, and menswear and womenswear designers.
