For nearly a century, Slabotsky’s has been part of the fabric of Kansas City style. What began in 1935 has grown into something more than a menswear store. Today, under the leadership of Michael Jerwick, it carries forward a legacy built on service, consistency, and a deep respect for the customer. “We’ve always been very anti-department store,” Jerwick says. “Customer experience has always motivated us. We focus on a very detail-oriented, intimate experience, from selecting attire to tailoring to every interaction with our staff.”
In a retail world that has shifted toward speed and convenience, Slabotsky’s has stayed grounded in something more personal. “As online shopping and convenience-based retail have grown, we’ve really zigged when everyone else has zagged,” he says. “We’ve stayed true to who we are. A small, intimate feel with great selection and even better tailoring.” That mindset was shaped early by his father, whose presence still defines the store today. “Lesson number one is that everybody who comes into the store needs to know you’re going to break your back for them,” Jerwick says. “My dad always made sure customers could feel the energy and effort we were putting in.” Since his father’s passing, that lesson has taken on even more meaning. “Not 10 minutes goes by without me thinking about him,” he says. “What I’ve realized is that clothing can be a reprieve for people. It can bring energy into their life.”
He recalls moments that put the work into perspective. “We had a family come in to buy a suit for their son’s funeral,” he says. “As awful as that situation was, being in the store gave them something else to focus on. That stuck with me. We’re here to make people look good and feel good, whether it’s the best day of their life or the worst.” Carrying that responsibility forward is central to how Jerwick approaches the business. “My biggest priority is continuing what my dad built. The way he made people feel, his work ethic, his energy,” he says. “At the core of it, it’s about making every person who walks in feel special, heard, and taken care of.” That feeling is intentional, from the first greeting to the final fitting. “It starts with a genuine smile,” he says. “We offer a drink, a place to sit, understand what they need, and then work as hard as possible to deliver that efficiently.”
The store’s move from Grand Boulevard to the River Market marks a new chapter, but one that still honors its roots. “This space represents a more elevated aesthetic and experience,” Jerwick says. “We’re in a great neighborhood with incredible energy, and it’s given us the opportunity to build something truly unique.” Inside, the showroom reflects that vision. “We wanted an old-school menswear feel,” he says. “Rich browns, greens, textures. The main showroom feels like a living room. You can sit, have a drink, and spend time.” With music playing, vintage details, and a thoughtfully designed layout, the space feels both refined and approachable. “It’s elevated, but inviting,” he adds.
Even as the environment evolves, the philosophy remains the same. “Exceptional service is the DNA of Slabotsky’s,” Jerwick says. “The inventory evolves, but how we work never will. It’s about courtesy, energy, and elbow grease.” That extends to the clothing itself. Rather than chasing trends, the focus is on pieces that last. “We don’t trend hop,” he says. “We focus on timeless, versatile pieces that can be styled multiple ways. If someone spends money with us, we want them to get real value.” For Jerwick, style is about building a wardrobe with purpose. “Every man should have a navy, brown, and tan suit,” he says. “Add in knit polos, textured dress shirts, clean sneakers, and good loafers. It’s about versatility and quality.”
Looking ahead, his goals are clear. “I want to be the best menswear store in Kansas City,” he says. Plans include expanding custom suiting, growing their in-house brand, and hosting events that bring the community together. Through it all, the heart of the business remains deeply personal. “This store lets me feel close to my dad,” Jerwick says. “It feels like I’m living the life he lived. I just hope he’s proud.”
And if the next decade looks anything like the last, Slabotsky’s will continue to stand for something rare in modern retail. Not just great clothing, but a place where people feel seen, valued, and taken care of the moment they walk through the door.
For more information visit https://www.slabotskyskc.com/
“My dad always made sure customers could feel the energy and effort we were putting in. Not 10 minutes goes by without me thinking about him.”
“My biggest priority is continuing what my dad built. The way he made people feel, his work ethic, his energy,” he says. “At the core of it, it’s about making every person who walks in feel special, heard, and taken care of.