Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent Retail | EP 20
04/04/25 • 29 min
Episode 20: Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent Retail
Welcome to another episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman speaks with Fred Derring, a true champion of Main Street and principal of DLS Apparel Group. With over 40 years of experience working exclusively with independent retailers across the United States, Fred shares invaluable insights about the power of community in the independent retail space.
Fred Derring has been in the retail industry since college, working his way up through independent stores, department stores, and consulting before founding DLS Apparel Group. His passion for both products and people has driven his mission to support independent retailers across America.
Episode Highlights:
-DLS helps independent retailers gain collective buying power while maintaining their unique identity.
-Members share best practices in a non-competitive environment, visiting each other's stores to learn.
-One retailer generated $500K in wholesale through an innovative graduation suit program.
-Independent stores saw growth after COVID as shoppers discovered personalized shopping experiences.
-Beyond merchandise, DLS provides marketing tools, digital support, and e-commerce guidance and best practice.
-Getting customers in the door remains the biggest challenge for independent retailers.
-DLS is expanding into coffee table books and complementary accessories and categories.
Featured in this episode:
DLS Apparel Group works exclusively with independent retailers, across the US, but most of their clients are eastward. Based in NY, they also go from the West Coast to St. Louis, Chicago, and Dallas. They scout products domestically and internationally, host buying meetings, and provide comprehensive support services to help independent stores thrive.
Menswear Retailers Premier Buying Office
130 W. 57th St., Ste 5C
New York, NY 10019
Office 212.399.0750
Fred 917.699.1157
Virginia 917.509.6053
John 917.545.6887
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
Episode 20: Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent Retail
Welcome to another episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman speaks with Fred Derring, a true champion of Main Street and principal of DLS Apparel Group. With over 40 years of experience working exclusively with independent retailers across the United States, Fred shares invaluable insights about the power of community in the independent retail space.
Fred Derring has been in the retail industry since college, working his way up through independent stores, department stores, and consulting before founding DLS Apparel Group. His passion for both products and people has driven his mission to support independent retailers across America.
Episode Highlights:
-DLS helps independent retailers gain collective buying power while maintaining their unique identity.
-Members share best practices in a non-competitive environment, visiting each other's stores to learn.
-One retailer generated $500K in wholesale through an innovative graduation suit program.
-Independent stores saw growth after COVID as shoppers discovered personalized shopping experiences.
-Beyond merchandise, DLS provides marketing tools, digital support, and e-commerce guidance and best practice.
-Getting customers in the door remains the biggest challenge for independent retailers.
-DLS is expanding into coffee table books and complementary accessories and categories.
Featured in this episode:
DLS Apparel Group works exclusively with independent retailers, across the US, but most of their clients are eastward. Based in NY, they also go from the West Coast to St. Louis, Chicago, and Dallas. They scout products domestically and internationally, host buying meetings, and provide comprehensive support services to help independent stores thrive.
Menswear Retailers Premier Buying Office
130 W. 57th St., Ste 5C
New York, NY 10019
Office 212.399.0750
Fred 917.699.1157
Virginia 917.509.6053
John 917.545.6887
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
Previous Episode
Family Business Success How Adrian Jules Built a 60-Year Custom Tailoring Legacy | EP 19
"When you buy from Main Street, you're buying from the community, you're helping the community."
In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman interviews Matthew Roides, Director of Operations at Adrian Jules. Matthew shares the inspiring 60-year journey of his family's custom tailoring business. Founded by his Italian immigrant grandfather who arrived in America with just $33, Adrian Jules has grown into a respected name in luxury menswear with both wholesale and retail operations. Matthew discusses how the business maintains its commitment to American-made craftsmanship with over 70 employees in Rochester, NY, while adapting to changing fashion trends and customer preferences. He reveals how a personal tragedy inspired him to join the family business, the challenges of finding skilled craftspeople, and how creating genuine relationships with customers has been central to their decades of success.
In this episode:-The founding story of Adrian Jules and its growth over the decades.
-The unique challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational family business.
-How Adrian Jules balances wholesale and retail operations.
-The importance of maintaining high standards and craftsmanship in the garment industry.
-Matthew's personal journey from aspiring physician assistant to leading the family business.
-The significance of "Made in America" in their brand identity.
-Insights into the future of the garment industry and the importance of community and Main Street businesses.
Are you an independent retailer looking to build your own multi-generational legacy? Subscribe to Main Street Matters for more inspiring stories and practical business advice from successful store owners. Share your thoughts on today's episode in the comments or on social media using #MainStreetMatters.
Connect With Matthew Roides:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-roides/
Adrian Jules
Retail
https://adrianjulescustomclothier.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajcustomsuits/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-TkHdj-BqVWqvl89HmYz4g
https://www.linkedin.com/company/adrian-jules-custom-clothier/
Wholesale
https://www.adrianjulesltd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/adrianjules__ltd/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/adrian-jules-wholesale/
Stores:
Rochester
2937 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
Buffalo
5436 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
Next Episode
A Store Full of Stories: The Distinctive Approach at Cave & Post Trading Company | EP 21
In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman talks with Patrick Burch about the journey of creating Cave & Post Trading Co., a men's-focused retail store in Phoenix. Patrick explains how he and his wife Mary transformed what was meant to be a "glorified man cave" into a thriving retail business that bridges the gap in men's boutique shopping.
The conversation explores how Cave & Post selects inventory with a focus on heritage brands, quality craftsmanship, and products with compelling stories. Patrick shares how they've created a welcoming "Cheers bar" atmosphere where customers are remembered by name, and he discusses their vision of inspiring men to live well-rounded lives beyond just looking good.
Patrick offers candid insights about the financial challenges of marketing a modern retail business, particularly the complexities of managing digital ad spend across multiple platforms. He also discusses emerging retail trends, including the continued popularity of Western wear, growing interest in American-made products, and consumers' increasing preference for quality over fast fashion.
Timestamps
00:01:07 - 00:03:48 - Origins, naming, location selection
00:04:28 - 00:06:04 - Aesthetics, fixtures, merchandising philosophy
00:08:01 - 00:12:30 - Initial buying strategy, market visits, finding new products
00:15:09 - 00:19:05 - Demographics, building relationships, personalized service
00:19:58 - 00:22:06 - Marketing costs, retail difficulties
00:30:52 - 00:32:56 - Trends, encouraging personal style, quality focus
00:35:36 - 00:38:48 - Price vs. value conversation, serving value-conscious customers
00:39:00 - 00:40:32 - Importance of brands with narratives, customer interest in these stories
00:41:47 - 00:42:36 - Employee knowledge and engagement
00:43:46 - 00:44:15 - Denim industry, textile history in North Carolina
Featured Store:
Connect with Cave and Post Trading Co.
https://www.caveandpost.com/
509 W McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85003
602.931.0090 / 602.430.2032
https://www.instagram.com/caveandpost/
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
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