FASHION ADVICE FOR THE REFINED LIFE
Mark Shale has been a leader in the fashion industry since 1929, when we opened our doors as the Al Baskin store. Later, we became Mark Shale, named after Al’s two children. Through the years, we have dressed and advised hundreds of thousands of customers, helping to get them compliments and find clothing for all their needs. The Baskin family continues that tradition with our new website.
Who are We Now?
When Mark Shale closed its retail stores in December 2012, Scott Baskin, of the Baskin family that started the company in 1929, didn’t think that was the end. After all, we always changed with the times. We were one of the first retail stores to display products in FRONT of counters for our customers to actually hold and touch. And we were one of the first stores to offer casual sportswear for men back in the ‘30’s. So changing with the times, as we have always done, was the natural next step.
Scott engaged Cheryl Berenberg, Mark Shale’s former Director of Web & Marketing (and Womens Buyer before that) to build the new Mark Shale. Scott is the personification of Mark Shale, knowing the modern and timeless aesthetic that is iconic to the brand. He started out in the family business when he was just 10 years old, working his way from Christmas Wrapping & Receiving to Mens Buyer to the President/CEO, overseeing 12 stores. And Cheryl is a Chicago transplant, having worked in Merchandising and Web for New York-based companies like Coach, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, and Macys, to name a few.
Together, they researched what the biggest problem to solve has been for former Mark Shale customers. The answer: finding an edited assortment of updated, and always appropriate, quality clothing and accessories that busy men and women could shop with ease. And the new www.markshale.com was born.
We are Bringing Back the Shop Owner
Years ago, shopping was personal and intimate. Shop Owners knew their customers, stocked their stores with the items their customers liked, and provided sage advice on fashion trends and styles. Today’s world of online shopping has added a level of convenience, but has removed the personal relationship built with the Shop Owner. While online shopping is convenient, the abundance of websites and products can be overwhelming, confusing and frustrating. We want to bring the Shop Owner back to the shopping experience.
Whether you’re searching for an outfit for that important client meeting, a special occasion, or casual wear, we will provide advice on products that are well made, look great and meet your specific needs - just like your trusted Shop Owner. Here, you’ll be able to read up on current fashion trends and get tips on how to incorporate them in your wardrobe. Most importantly, we will also search the market for the products we know you will like and provide you with links to recommended websites that carry those items for you to purchase.
And the best part is, just like your trusted Shop Owner, you can still talk to us and tell us what you like, don’t like, and wish you could find. Follow us on social media and comment on our site. Create Pinterest boards of products and styles that inspire you, and share them with us. We’ll still be talking and listening– but now you can do it in your pajamas.
If you want truly personalized help, someone you can talk to and explain your needs, likes and dislikes, you can use our Virtual Personal Shopper service. Through this service, we connect you with a personal virtual stylist who will get to know you and help you make selections that perfectly fit your needs and style.
Need to know more?
Commonly Asked Questions
Please contact us at questions@markshale.com.