In March of this year, S.H. Franklin Menswear opened its doors at The Shops at Stonefield. At the new men’s shop, the experience begins the moment you walk through the door, and that’s entirely by design.
“The experience [at S.H. Franklin Menswear] is going to be something you’re not going to see at a lot of other places, but it’s something you’re always going to remember,” said James Bower Jr., president of the company. “There’s no way this business would be doing as well without Joshua as manager, as well as Kevin and Courtney. You feel like you’re in someone’s home.”
That sense of welcome is rooted in more than service -- it’s part of a legacy. The S.H. Franklin name dates back to 1888, when Samuel Howell Franklin built a reputation in Lynchburg, Virginia, for refined menswear and personalized service. While that location lasted for almost a century, the brand carries forward those same standards today.
For Bower, bringing that legacy to Charlottesville felt like a natural next step. “The market could support what we’re doing. We’re offering anything from clothes for teenagers to people in their nineties,” he said. “The reception has been absolutely phenomenal.”
Inside, the offering is intentionally curated -- pieces are sourced from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and across North America. “The quality of our goods is different than what you find at typical chain stores,” Bower said. “They will last a lifetime.”
But what truly defines the shop is its approach to people. “We meet our guests where they are,” he explained. “If you’re just starting out, we make sure you have your basics covered. If you’ve been in your career for years, we meet you there.”
That balance of tradition and individuality is central to the store’s mission. “Traditional style never goes out of style,” Bower said. “If you want something classic, we have it. If you want something more fashion-forward, we have that too.”
For Bower, clothing is ultimately about confidence and connection. “When you walk into a room, your clothing speaks before you even say a word,” he said.
Looking ahead, the vision extends beyond retail. “Nothing that lasts doesn’t have an aspect of community involved,” Bower says. “We want to be ingrained in Charlottesville, where we sponsor events, we help people, and we are involved in what Charlottesville is.”