We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deavon Moore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deavon below.
Alright, Deavon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
The industry is vastly changing with the result of more people working from home and now transitioning to heading back to the office. I have gone through extreme shifts in the retail business over the last 2 years.
At first everyone (men and women) wanted to embrace the casual lifestyle of working from home.
It was all about lounge and comfort for everyone. Then it seemed women transitioned quickly wanting bright colors, pretty dresses, statement jewelry and handbags. Women wanted to feel normal in all the uncertainty that was involved with COVID.
Men seemed to embrace the casual life much longer and weren’t willing to spend money on items they weren’t sure they needed right away or in the near future. Once men started spending more time in the office the casual but professional wardrobe needed some updates. How do I dress casually professional? Is there such a thing? All brands are navigating this and we are doing our best to guide the customer on what it will look like in the next 6 months, 12 months, and so forth.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
A small number of people know from the age of two what they want to do in life. And an even smaller number actually do it.
Looking back over 50 years, my lineage was prophetic. My great grandmother worked in a woman’s store, my great aunt owned a women’s clothing store, and my grandmother owned her own apparel store in Oklahoma City. Retail was, and still is, in my blood. As a child I would dream of styling outfits, study fashion magazines, and create my own pieces with linens from my mother’s closet.
Later, I pursued fashion merchandising in college which led me to opportunities learning from some of the most well-known international brands. Starting as an intern and climbing to VP of merchandising, I spent 15+ years cultivating relationships and knowledge from the best in the industry.
I found my niche in menswear through an enthusiasm for a shift in the industry. I have now expanded offering much more than menswear and including women’s and kids apparel, footwear, and accessories. In recent years, the primary focus has been on the fit rather than a particular label or brand. The result has been an influx of innovative and successful lines that create a much more diverse range of products for all.
DLM Supply was founded in Oak Cliff as a small store with big dreams. We search for style that is cozy, distinctive, and complementary to each client. We can outfit your apparel, accessory, grooming and/or footwear needs with a carefully curated collection of brands. We embody the spirit of small business with global influence and look forward to sharing our experience with you.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I think the biggest thing is learning that you can’t be everything to everyone. It is ok to be a store owner and say no. If you tried to please every customer with product, sizing, selection you wouldn’t be able to stay in business
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How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think being interested and invested in the community for your market. I shop local, eat local, and support local.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dlmsupplyc.com
- Instagram: dlm supply
- Facebook: @dlmsupply
- Linkedin: https://www.linked.com/in/deavon-moore-5270106
Image Credits
DLM owns photos