Business: LUX Owner: Tadd Feazell Type: Men’s & women’s clothing Year Established: 2004 Contact: 906 South Cooper, Memphis, TN; luxmemphis.com
INSTINCT: Why’d you decide to open LUX?
TADD FEAZELL: I had worked as a manager for several large chains of clothing stores and realized I would rather do it for myself than for someone else. So I quit my job and spent a year preparing the store.
What did your friends and family think?
They were all very supportive. I had a good response from the beginning. And when I finally opened, the local press was great, too.
Why’d you choose your midtown location instead of the suburbs?
When I opened here in the Cooper-Young District, there were no other clothing stores around—it was just trendy, fashionable bars and restaurants. But I was selling trendy, fashionable clothing that people would want to wear to the bars and restaurants, so it made sense to be in the middle of all that.
But you’re not alone anymore.
No, there are several other stores nearby now. Including some that I definitely think we’ve influenced. In fact, I’ve had people ask me about how they should get started with their own store and about going to market, so I’ve helped them.
How nice—creating competition for yourself.
We’re still edgier, I think.
What sets LUX apart from the other stores?
We carry all of the “in” brands—Diesel, True Religion, Pistol Pete and C-IN2 underwear. Memphis doesn’t have a company store for these brands like a lot of cities, so we’re a place people can get them all. Our merchandise is very cutting-edge, and we’re constantly bringing in new merchandise so we don’t get stale.
And you’ve got a cool location.
Because of the area we’re in, it’s an old house. It has a lot more character than a strip mall. We started with just 700 square feet of it, and now we’ve taken over the whole house.
How did you get started in fashion? Did you study it in school?
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No, I was just born gay.
Have you seen some of the Instinct staff? That doesn’t always mean anything.
Seriously, I’ve just always had a knack for it. It’s what I’ve loved doing. In college, I majored in business management, so that helped me learn how to run the business. The fashion I’ve learned on my own.
You sell both men’s and women’s clothing?
Yes. About 40 percent of the store is women’s, but I’m known more as a men’s clothing store.
Who’s the average customer? All young “bois”?
I have a lot of gay customers, but everyone’s welcome. There are plenty of metrosexual guys who work out and want tight-fitting clothes that show off the bodies they’ve worked on at the gym. And the ages range anywhere from 18 to 60. Of course, the older customers are ones who have taken care of themselves and look good in the merchandise we carry.
Do the people already have a sense of style or do you help them with that?
Both. I’m always complimented when people come in and say, “I want to look like you.” We do makeovers for a lot of people and help them create a look that’s their own.
So someone comes in and tries to squeeze into jeans that they shouldn’t. Do you refuse to sell them in an attempt to keep America beautiful?
I’d say something like “Those jeans don’t complement your body shape.” And then offer them something that will look good on them.
Any advice for someone starting a business?
They say the first five years are the hardest for a new business, and we’ve almost made it through that. I’d love to expand into other cities someday—once the economy improves.
One final thing—Justin Timberlake is from Memphis. Any scoop?
Unfortunately not. I think he has people that do his shopping for him, so I’ve never had the chance to meet him. Although Lisa Marie Presley’s relatives have come in and shopped for her.
5 out-of-the-closet must-have basics:
1. Start with great underwear so you feel sexy underneath.
2. Get some tight jeans to show off that great ass.
3. Then fitted tees to show off your chest.
4. A tailored button-down will make you look good, even at the office.
5. A bracelet and necklace complete any outfit and show that you know how to accessorize.
Comments (14)
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