BY ELIZABETH WITBECK
Samuel Gonzalez had been working for several
years as a law enforcement officer for the
Schenectady Police Department. He worked
long hours and did not have time to shop for
clothes on his days off. He decided to create a
clothing subscription service that would make
putting together an attractive outfit “a cinch.”
Cinch Club was started as an online subscription
service for men in 2014. Men create
a style profile on the website, where they enter
their style information, what brands they like,
what their budget is, and their sizes.
In July, Cinch Men’s Wear LLC opened
a storefront at 517 Broadway in Saratoga
Springs. “We recognize that some people are hesitant
about online shopping,” said Gonzalez. “So we
opened a storefront where they could come in
and try the clothes.”
The boutique shop offers a space for men
to sample designer labels and meet with a
wardrobe stylist.
“We intentionally have a small space,” said
Gonzalez. “It’s very intimate here.”
He said men can become overwhelmed in
large, big box men’s clothing stores. A small
shop allows men to shop with ease and personalized
attention.
“There are so many women’s options in
Saratoga Springs. People were very excited to
have a men’s clothing option,” he noted.
Cinch Men’s Wear offers suiting options for
men. On Mondays, the boutique is open by appointment
only so that men can come in and
be fitted for a suit or tuxedo for an upcoming
event. Gonzalez is considering expansion into
women’s and children’s clothing in the future.
They are also considering opening stores in
other cities.
Online, clients choose between a monthly or
on-demand service. With on-demand, customers
receive clothes only when they want them.
The monthly service delivers clothes every
month. The stylists will put together an outfit
based on the needs of the customer. The customer
receives an email depicting the contents
of the box, so they can approve the outfit before
it is shipped. Once the clothes have arrived, the
customer has 10 days to try on the clothes and
return them. The client is not charged until
after they have received the clothes.
The clothes arrive in a cardboard box,
outfitted with a handle to resemble a men’s
suitcase. Inside are the clothes requested, plus
a return envelope. If the client is not satisfied,
they can return them by scheduling a package
pickup at their house.
The business does not charge a styling fee.
Men who sign up with the company can skip
as many months as they would like without
being charged.
Clothes that Cinch Club ships include shirts,
chinos, blazers, belts, shoes, tuxedos and more.
Brands include 34 Heritage, Maceoo, Mavi, Big
Star, J Shoes, and more.
The company ships to customers all across
the U.S. and Canada, as well as military personnel
overseas.
People can subscribe to the online service
at www.cinchmenswear.com.
The Broadway store is open Tuesday
through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m.; and Mondays by appointment only.
For more information, call 889-9322.