When did the store open?
Beth Pocalyko: We opened John’s Men’s Clothing in 2019. My mom and I were doing what we always love to do, shopping locally in downtown Bel Air. We stopped for lunch at Savona, and while we were sitting there, we realized we had checked off everyone on our shopping list except for the men. We looked at each other and said, “There really should be a men’s store in Bel Air that offers business casual clothing and styles for everyday life.”
We started dreaming a little and asking ourselves what we would even call it. My mom immediately said, “John’s,” after my brother, her son, who had passed away a few years earlier.
The moment she said it, I knew we had to do it. My brother John was always well-dressed whether he was going to work [or] having dinner with friends and family. Our motto, “Work Hard. Play Hard. Dress Easy.” perfectly reflects who he was.
From that lunch conversation on Main Street, the idea quickly became a reality. We carefully selected brands we believed in and knew would resonate with our community. We found a great spot in between Savona and Old Line Barbers, and just a few months later, we opened John’s Men’s Clothing.
One of the most meaningful parts of the store is our logo. It’s actually John’s signature, which allows his presence and legacy to be part of the business every single day.
What were the biggest challenges of building a successful independent menswear business?
Maureen Bruneau: I would say our biggest challenges were probably two things.
The first was when we initially opened. We had found all of these great brands that we believed in, but it took time to really understand what our customers wanted. We had to learn what styles they liked, how they preferred things to fit, and which brands worked best for the men in our community. We went through several brands and made adjustments along the way to curate the collection we have today. And we are still working and growing with our collection. We love hearing from our guys on what new brands they would want in the store.
The second challenge was COVID. Like many small businesses, we were forced to close our doors for a period of time. Thankfully, we had already invested in our website and online store, but it pushed us to become much more active on social media. What started as a necessity ended up becoming one of our greatest strengths.
During that time, we built an online community that is still growing and thriving today. I'm really proud of the connections we've created through Instagram and our website. It allows us to stay connected with our customers even when they're not physically in the store, and it has become a huge part of what makes John's feel like a community rather than just a retail store.
What are some of the biggest shifts in men’s fashion that you've seen, and what styles are resonating most with customers today?
BP: One thing we have learned over the years is that men’s fashion moves at a slower pace than women’s fashion. Trends definitely change, but they’re usually more gradual.
Right now, we’re starting to see some exciting shifts. Traditionally, men tend to gravitate toward blues and neutrals, and honestly, we did too when we first started buying. But we’re seeing customers become much more open to color, patterns, and prints, so we’re bringing more of those into the store. We’re also seeing some influence from ‘90s fashion making a comeback. Now, styles are becoming a little looser and more casual.
In an era of online shopping and fast fashion, why do you believe personalized service and professional fitting still matter?
BP: I actually think personal service is more important than ever. At John’s, we don’t focus on fast fashion. We focus on quality, timeless pieces that our customers can wear for years. We believe in classic styles, quality fabrics, and brands that stand the test of time. When you’re investing in clothing like that, personal service becomes a big part of the experience.
There is value in being able to come into a store, try things on, and get honest feedback about what fits your body and your lifestyle. Our customers really value that personal connection. They appreciate being recognized when they walk through the door and knowing that we’re helping them find pieces that truly work for them. Some of my favorite moments are seeing the generations shop together. We have dads bringing in their sons for their first job interview, graduation, or vacation. Or daughters and mothers shopping for their husbands together. Those are meaningful milestones, and we’re honored to be a small part of them.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: help people feel confident in clothing that fits them well and lasts. That’s something that never goes out of style, no matter how much shopping changes.
What is the most rewarding part of helping customers find clothing for important moments in their lives, from first jobs and weddings to retirements and special celebrations?
MB: Honestly, that’s probably our favorite part of what we do.
We’re fortunate to be a small part of so many meaningful moments in our customers’ lives. Whether it’s a son’s wedding, a graduation, a dream vacation, a new job, or another milestone, we’re often one of the first stops in the planning process. The fact that someone chooses John’s when they’re preparing for an important event means so much to us.
What makes it even more special is that we genuinely remember those moments. We’ll ask customers, “How was the wedding?” or “How was the family photo session ?” and “Did you get the job?” Because we truly care.
The relationships we build with our customers go far beyond a transaction. We get to celebrate life’s big moments alongside them, and that’s something we never take for granted.
We’re fortunate to be a small part of so many meaningful moments in our customers’ lives.
My brother John was always well-dressed whether he was going to work [or] having dinner with friends and family. Our motto, “Work Hard. Play Hard. Dress Easy.” perfectly reflects who he was.