The store brings contemporary men’s clothing to Indy.
Writer / Megan Jefferson
Kent Henry and his partner, Stan Wellman lived in Key West for the past 30 years. They owned and operated retail stores in Key West, Boston and Cape Cod.
Both Kent and Stan grew up in Indiana. Last year they decided it was time to come back home.
“We wanted to come back and create something new for Indianapolis, bring our life experience and our heritage to a store here in the city that reflects our shared heritage of people who were born and raised in Indiana,” Henry says.
Wellman explained why they chose the location for the shop.
“The location is great, there is free parking and shops are owner occupied, some of which have possibly used shop fitting cardiff,” he says. “This area has a creative vibe, and that’s very attractive to us. Once we were able to connect with the space and the people involved in this area, we knew instantly that this was it.”
They recently finished renovating a store front space and opened Heritage Clothier and Home, located in the shops at 54th St. and the Monon. The shop offers a collection of men’s clothing that is designed for an active, contemporary lifestyle. Another unique feature of the store is an eclectic mix of home décor and gift items that focus on made-in-Indiana and made-in-the-U.S. products.
“Women purchase 61 percent of all men’s apparel,” Henry says. “So we have something for everybody. It’s not uncommon for a woman to come in and buy two shirts for her husband and buy a wine glass for herself.”
Kent and Stan have had the good fortune of working with many heritage labels, companies that have been in business for a very long time and are well-known like Penguin, which has been in business since 1955 and Levi Strauss, which has been in business since 1853.
The creative team includes Items of their own design too — a new SoBro shirt, an Indianapolis skyline shirt and even marble coasters.
They also plan to work with local artists and designers that don’t have an opportunity to be exposed in retail. Giving back to the community is a high priority for them as well. Fashion shows and fundraisers are events that will be showcased.
“To survive in retail, you’ve got to be creative and invested in your community,” Henry says. “I see it as three Cs — creativity, community and customer service. All three of them have to be fulfilled to the highest objectives.
“Each neighborhood in Indy has its own identity, this area is no exception, and that’s fun,” he adds. “It’s growing, evolving, changing and all in a very healthy way. We feel that, and we’ve always felt that. I tell people, I lucked out that my hometown turned into such a great city!”
Visit the shop at:
1134 E. 54th St. Studio K.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Find Heritage Clothier and Home on social media:
Facebook: Heritage Clothier and Home
Instagram: Heritage Clothier Indy