A new men's clothing store,
Knickers XY, has opened in Hyde Park Square, across from its sister clothing company for women,
Knickers. The store offers niche brands of underwear, under garments, swimwear, and skin care for men. The store also offers a special and unique service with a licensed barber. Austin Lutz, store manager, says the new shop is something Cincinnati has never seen before.
"We are on the cutting edge and we are trying to bring something new to Cincinnati," says Lutz.
Knicker's hand selected unique brands from various cities in the U.S. Some lines include merchandise from an organic yoga line out of Las Angeles and an organic underwear line out of San Francisco. They are also the first company to carry a new company called Rise, which carries merchandise geared towards poker players.
"We are not afraid to take a risk on a new line of clothing," Lutz said. "It's a new store and we have a great vibe with energetic young people who aren't afraid to sell the products."
Lutz fell into the position as store manager after running across independent storeowner Dian Edwards in Hyde Park Square. Originally from Philadelphia, Lutz attended Xavier University and never felt the need to leave Cincinnati. Edwards is from England and recently retired from Procter & Gamble after thirty-two years.
Lutz explained that Hyde Park was the best location for the new store due to an abundance of retail, restaurants and foot traffic in the area. Unfortunately, the economy did claim some of the established businesses in the square, but it gave Knickers XY the chance to set up shop next to supportive neighbors this past December.
"We have great reception from the neighbors in the Square. The area is going through a change and we're happy with our success so far," says Lutz.
Writer: Lisa Ensminger
Photography by Scott Beseler.
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