About Us
Our parents/grandparents, Ed and Norma Mitchell, founded the company in 1958 with three men’s suits, a coffee pot and a dream…
The heart of their extraordinary vision was to “hug” the customer… to enhance and add value to the retail experience by offering unsurpassed service, a uniquely warm environment, to give back to their communities and to build trusting relationships with customers and friends that would last throughout generations.
The first location of the original “Ed Mitchells” was an 800 square-foot former plumbing supply store in Westport, CT. Norma famously brought in her coffee pot each day to make the customers feel at home. For over 50 years, we have strived to carry on that spirit and tradition. Today, we offer lattes and M&M’s, have a dedicated “Kiddie Corner” and much more… we try to do her proud.
1958
Ed and Norma open the original Ed Mitchells store in Westport, CT in an 800 sq. ft. space, offering 5 men’s suit styles.
1979
Ed Mitchells moves to present location, with 17,000 sq. ft. of selling space and 8,000 sq. ft. for other uses.
1993
Expansion of current location, adding 8,300 sq. ft. Name changes to “Mitchells”.
1995
Acquisition of Richards of Greenwich, an 8,000 sq. ft. privately owned men’s clothing store.
2000
Grand Opening of new Richards in a 27,000 sq. ft. building, introducing women’s fashion, jewelry, and accessories.
2005
Acquisition of Marshs in Huntington, a men’s clothing store. Renovation and addition of women’s department.
2009
Wilkes Bashford, with stores in San Francisco and Palo Alto, is acquired by Mitchells.
2011
A new entity, “Mitchell Stores” is formed.
2012
Wilkes Union Square 7-story townhouse and Palo Alto stores undergo landmark renovations.
2014
First online sale Saturday October 18th on our e-commerce site, an online extension of our in-store experience.
2015
Mitchells partners with Marios of Seattle, Portland, and Bridgeport, growing to eight store locations and four incredible brands.
Mitchells is still independent, family-owned and operated by a second and third generation of Mitchells, and has grown over the years to 25,000 square-feet. We also have expanded the dream into other communities. In 1995, we acquired Richards of Greenwich, a renowned 8,000 sq. ft. luxury men’s retailer, which we have expanded to include a women’s department, and is now 27,000 sq. ft and the winner of numerous retail space design awards. In 2005, we acquired Marshs of Huntington, a 15,000 sq. ft. men’s store, which we have renovated inside and out, adding women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewelry. In September 2015 we transitioned the name to Mitchells.
In December of 2009, saw the acquisition of the Wilkes Bashford stores of San Francisco and Palo Alto to our portfolio. Wilkes Bashford, founded in 1966 by the retail icon of the same name is the Bay Area’s most renowned luxury retailer.
October 2014 saw the launch of our long-awaited e-commerce site. Committed to delivering a unique retail experience, we took our time in considering how to best offer the convenience of electronic shopping, while also delivering on our standards for extraordinary customer service in an online environment. Our e-commerce site is designed to be a true extension of our store, offering proprietary, never-before-seen customer service features.
In our latest chapter we have partnered with Mario Bisio of Marios in Seattle and Portland, and Marios 3.10 in Bridgeport Village. Mario Bisio, Sr. founded the business in the 1960’s, and under the leadership of his son Mario Bisio, Jr. it has expanded to offer three retail stores and has become a leading fashion destination in the Pacific Northwest. Mario and his family have been great friends of ours for well over 15 years; we couldn’t find a more synergistic business to partner with.
As we have grown over the years to offer eight locations across four brands, we formed a new entity called “Mitchell Stores”. We chose this name because the stores we’ve acquired are also family businesses and we are proud to still be working with members of their founding families. The name also conveys that our business is built on relationships… amongst our associates, designers, and of course, our customers.
We look forward to serving our beloved communities (in person and online) for many generations to come!
Books by Jack Mitchell
Learn how to apply the proven principles of “Hug Your Customers” to refine your selling technique, boost your sales, and keep your customers coming back for more.
This book details winning sales strategies to help you adjust your mindset, refine your selling style, and embrace the joy and value of your customers.
A master of customer service reveals his secrets for developing long-lasting business relationships and customer loyalty. "We shower our customers with attention. There's no doubt in my mind that our philosophy can be applied to selling just about anything -- from aircraft engines to beanbags."
"Hug Your People" is more than a book to Jack; it is his personal mission to bring civility and compassion back to the way we all conduct our business and our lives. Jim Nantz of CBS Sports is among the early admirers, calling it "a book rich with wisdom. The Mitchell family secret for success should be read by everyone -- it's like Mike Krzyzewski or Tony Dungy opening up their play books for the public." The new volume will join Mitchell's first book in every successful businessperson's library. Together, they speak volumes!
