June 27, 2024
Shop stories: Explore Mitchell McCabe Menswear in Elsternwick Village
Andrew Scawen has been in fashion all his life and his love of it shines.
When he was based in the UK, he worked with knitwear and as his passion for that grew, so did his desire to learn more.
“I did a degree in fashion and textiles,” Mr Scawen said.
He then came to Australia for a holiday and has been here ever since.
“I landed a great job the first week I was here and have designed for some great Australian brands,” Mr Scawen said.
He bought his own business, Mitchell McCabe Menswear, 26 years ago. The Elsternwick Village store is one of three, with the original South Melbourne store established in 1901.
Quality clothing, partnered with a sartorial expertise, is what makes the business a success.
“Of course, great quality clothing is one thing, but to show it to customers who appreciate what we have chosen is very rewarding,” Mr Scawen said.
“Not everything is for everybody, so being able to be flexible within both our stock and our customers’ wishes is very empowering.”
Mr Scawen and his team carefully consider the pieces for the store, giving it a personality customers have come to recognise and enjoy.
Something for every generation
“Our customers come from a wide range of demographics, age, profession – and requirements are all so varied,” Mr Scawen said.
“Broadly I feel our main customers are aged 35 and upwards, although it is great when a father and son both purchase clothes from the same store – and of course, always with help from mothers, wives, girlfriends and partners. It keeps us busy.”
The team has been in Elsternwick Village for just over three years and like the fashion items within, it feels like a great fit.
“It has been a pleasure meeting older customers of the previous (shop) owner, and converting them to us,” Mr Scawen said.
“I’ve even met some of our South Melbourne customers who live over this way. It’s convenient for them to shop where they live, as well as where they work.
“I love the busyness of the street, the variety of traders and demographics.”
With a business that prides itself on being consistently welcoming, the store is a top choice for men’s clothing shoppers.
“I’d love to think what we sell and display makes us something to look out for. We strive to be welcoming, especially when folks remember the older store – but see a new, younger face behind the counter,” Mr Scawen said.
“Looking at reactions and hearing comments as people look in the windows is very rewarding, especially when they decide to come in.”
And when they enter, they discover a store full of sartorial gems. Mr Scawen said it’s the place where you can pop in for a pair of socks and leave with a stunning suit.
“You can walk out with some quality, internationally renowned brand names such as Brax, A Fish Named Fred, Ben Sherman or Ferracini shoes,” he said.
Great shopping, locally
Mitchell McCabe Menswear is one of the growing number of stores proving shopping locally can be as rewarding as big-mall shopping.
“People are always surprised to find all of things they want, right under their noses, in their own local community – and is so much easier than going to an out-of-town shopping centre,” Mr Scawen said.
Great service, quality merchandise, and consistency are the hallmarks of Mitchell McCabe Menswear – and Mr Scawen is proud of that.
“Also, the idea that you can get something different, stylish and wearable rather than a cookie-cutter type of clothing,” he said.
The premise of Mitchell McCabe Menswear is allowing customers to create their own style – with staff assistance or by themselves.
“I think the clothing we promote allows our customers to do that,” Mr Scawen said.
“We sell tasteful, interesting items of clothing that can outlast a seasonal trend or colour – and then can be used again and again.”
And that’s what men want, Mr Scawen said.
“(It’s about) versatility and quality that lasts – and that can be updated or worn in a variety of different ways depending on occasion, season or end use,” he said.
Visit the store
335 – 357 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick
Phone: (03) 9690 5695