318. Shop Small Holiday Gift Guide: Presents with Presence from Phillips Men’s Wear

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Barrington "Shop Small" Gift Guide 2013

With Small Business Saturday this weekend, we’re kicking off our 2013 Barrington “Shop Small” Holiday Gift Guide highlighting great gift recommendations from Barrington area retailers this holiday season.  We’ll be talking to local business owners between now and Christmas about some of their hottest gift items and suggestions for presents that are sure to please the loved ones on your list.  CLICK HERE or on the green ornament below to find the first gifts in our guide this year and be sure to check back regularly as we’ll be adding new ideas in the coming weeks.

Barrington "Shop Small" Gift Guide 2013
Barrington “Shop Small” Gift Guide 2013

We’re starting with Phillips Men’s Wear at 100 E. Station Street in Barrington where owner Peter Yankala recently took the initiative to have this photo taken of many of Barrington’s downtown merchants who are preparing to celebrate Small Business Saturday with shoppers this Saturday, November 30th.

Barrington Merchants Excited for Shop Small Saturday - Photographed by Thomas Balsamo
Barrington Merchants Excited for Shop Small Saturday

We’ll get to Peter’s recommendations for holiday gifts in just a minute.  But first, we asked Peter to share his take on the significance of Small Business Saturday, a holiday encouraging people to support small businesses by shopping locally.

Shop Small for Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2013
Shop Small for Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2013
Phillips Men's Wear Owner Peter Yankala
Phillips Men’s Wear Owner Peter Yankala

“Small Business Saturday is important to us because it focuses on what the essential business district does for the dynamic of the community which is to bring in sales tax dollars and to generate business.  I think a healthy district that has great looking storefronts and lots of service adds to the community experience that we move to suburbs like Barrington for.

The other thing that is of interest to me is the fact that 1.7 percent of the state sales tax dollars that are collected in the Village return to the Village so that goes directly to our schools, road maintenance and helping keep our infrastructure in great shape.”

Having opened for business in 1948, Phillips has been part of the fabric of Barrington’s retail community for the past 62 years.  “We tend to be a service oriented store.  We’re more of a destination and we like to think of ourselves as an experience as well.”

They’re so devoted to that top quality customer experience that Phillips offers free gift wrapping and delivery during the holidays.  “We deliver all over the northwest suburbs and we  have many clients who send us gift lists and we fill them that way.”  Personal gift shopping without having to set foot in the store?  Now that’s what I call committed to service!

Peter Yankala at Phillip's Men's Wear in Barrington
Peter Yankala at Phillip’s Men’s Wear in Barrington

With presents to buy for my husband, brother and dad, I asked Peter to share some of his suggestions for great gifts that can be found at Phillips Men’s Wear this year and he was quick to offer this helpful tip:

Phillips Men's Wear Owner Peter Yankala
Phillips Men’s Wear Owner Peter Yankala

“Top sellers for the holidays are always things that can be used right away so luxury sweaters and zip necks are huge and we have a lot of interest now in woolen outer wear again including jackets that are just a little more updated and items you can wear into the city and out socially, not just to work.”

I also asked Peter to share some of the trends influencing the more popular looks in men’s wear this year.  Though they specialize in classically tailored pieces, the associates at Phillips are well versed in all things fashionable.

“If there’s a trend anywhere, it’s the ‘skinny look’ or all things slim or all things abbreviated and cropped.  But there’s also an interest in luxury fabrics.  Young thirty or forty somethings that shop with us are really getting into fabrics like cashmeres and silks and away from the cotton and blue jeans mentality they grew up with.”

Peter says the prices at Phillips are another of the many features that keep shoppers coming back for more. “Our prices are more than competitive in town.  Actually, for what we do, our prices are often a lot less than what you would find on Michigan Avenue or some of the high line retailers of a big box nature.”

If the men in your life have styling preferences that are specific, Peter says the Phillips Custom Program includes custom suits, custom sport coats, custom trousers and custom shirts. “Select fabrics that subtly distinguish you from your peers, a fit that complements your unique build, and features that express your own personal style. We make simple the most detailed decisions.” You’ll find Phillips Men’s Wear at 100 E. Station Street in the Village of Barrington and can reach them by phone at 847-381-1282.  You can also CLICK HERE to follow their frequently updated Facebook page or find their website at PhillipsMensWear.com.

Phillips Men's Wear - 100 E. Station Street in Barrington, IL
Phillips Men’s Wear – 100 E. Station Street in Barrington, IL

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