T7X Magazine
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Knighton Mens Wear: a complete one-stop shop for men
July, 2020
Access to high end clothing can be challenging when you reside outside of a “big city.” Most brand name stores will flock to large urban centres because that’s where the market is. But rarely will they come to a city of say 35,000 such as Spruce Grove. Recognizing this void in his community, Braven Blackwell, local businessman and men’s fashion aficionado, decided to open his own store where he could provide customers with the clothing and accessories that he felt Spruce Grove was lacking.
Located at 314 McLeod Ave, Knighton Men’s Wear Fashions is a medium-to-high-end men’s wear store which seeks to help its customers look their best for any occasion. From clothing to accessories to grooming, Knighton prides itself on selling only the highest quality products while providing brands and styles that fit each of its customer’s specific needs.
“Having Knighton open to our community gives local men a place to shop,” says store manager, Kim Sklaruk.
For Braven, whose main business is his estimating and 3D design software company, Seljax, Knighton has always been more of a passion project. Developing out of his personal search for a “refined and professional look,” Braven observed that Spruce Grove didn’t have a single men’s wear store and was growing tired of the drive to and from Edmonton when in need of a new outfit.
Eventually, Braven decided that no longer would he bring his business to the brand name stores; rather, it was time they brought their business to him. In October 2012, Knighton opened its doors on the ground floor of the Braven-owned Triton Business Centre, becoming the first−and to this day, only−storefront in Spruce Grove catering specifically to men’s fashion.
Knighton was named after a street in England where Alfred J. Parker, founder of the Kabalarian Philosophy, lived. “Mr. Parker has made a big impact on my life,” Braven says.
With Braven busy running Seljax in an office upstairs, Kim manages Knighton’s day-to-day operations along with the help of two employees who offer personal and attentive service to each customer who visits the store. With brands ranging from classics like Johnson & Murphy to fine Italian designers like Bugatchi, it is safe to say that men of all ages now have access to a stylish and diverse closet in Spruce Grove.
“I think it’s important to support the community from teens to men,” Kim says.
In addition to its quality products, Knighton also offers a selection of specialty services including quality tailoring, tuxedo rentals, appointment and event shopping, and custom ordering.
While Knighton carries nearly every article of clothing a man could need, including customer favourite SAXX Underwear, one of the store’s highlights is its selection of Canadian-designed suits and sport coats. Each is individually hand-picked from one of three prominent Montreal designers—Jack Victor, Citadin, and S. Cohen.
“We like to support Canadian manufacturers,” Kim says.
While Braven has stitched together a successful network of name brands from around the world since opening Knighton, he is always searching for new partnership opportunities. Every six months, he and Kim visit the Trends Apparel Show at the Edmonton Expo Centre, the Metro Show in Vancouver, and MAGIC in Las Vegas. There, the duo meets with sales representatives from a variety of international brands, ordering products they think would suit the Knighton brand.
Back home in Spruce Grove, Knighton likes to support the community by giving back. A proud sponsor of the Spruce Grove Saints Junior A hockey team, Knighton created a Player of the Month Award where an exceptional team member is given the opportunity to pick out a shirt and tie from the store. The business has also participated in fashion shows for the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove and the Chamber of Commerce and provided suits to local models for special events.
Looking forward, Knighton wants to reach more customers through the development of a stronger online presence, although the business is already on Facebook and Instagram. There has also been talk of one day opening a Knighton brand women’s wear store in Triton Business Centre. But for now, Kim says, “we will see what the future brings.”
Knighton Men’s Wear at a Glance
314 McLeod Ave
780 571 3434
