Mitchell Stores Announces Strategic Partnership with Mario’s of Seattle and Portland
Westport, CTThe Mitchell family, owners of Mitchell Stores, based in Westport, CT has announced a strategic partnership with Mario’s luxury retail stores in Seattle, WA and Portland OR.
“Mario’s is a jewel in the Pacific Northwest and we are very excited to work with Mario and his team to continue to offer world class stores that are perfectly tailored to Seattle and Portland” said Russ Mitchell Co-CEO.
“This joint venture will open up an expanded universe of world-class product, inventory, technology and services to our customers,” Mario stated. “I am thrilled to partner with my longtime friends the Mitchells to launch an exciting new era for our stores and customers.”
The Mitchells have expanded through a commitment to developing the finest locally focused luxury clothing stores. Mitchell Stores includes a portfolio of five other luxury retail stores on both the East (Mitchells and Richards) and West coasts (Wilkes Bashford). The partnership will give Mario’s access to five times their current product selection through Mitchells fully integrated in-store and online inventory. As systems are merged later in the year, Mario’s customers will enjoy a new expanded e-commerce world, including not only e-shopping, but also an enhanced electronic relationship with their current Style Experts including an integrated virtual closet and reserve in store capabilities.
“The only thing we love more than fashion is the customers we are privileged to serve. Nothing will change regarding the extraordinary service for which we are known,” said Mario. “Our highly-regarded Style Experts will still be the heart and soul of our stores and our buying and management team will continue to keep Mario’s a locally targeted store. The only changes our customers will see are the ways in which we are able to serve them even better.”
“We look forward to working closely with Mario and getting to know his customers, designers, staff and friends in the Seattle and Oregon areas. Everything about how Mario runs his business, from the exquisite product selection to the impeccable service is completely in synch with our culture.” said Bob Mitchell Co-CEO. “We have no doubt this partnership will be seamless and synergistic, benefitting all parties, especially Mario’s customers.”
The fashion communities who have known both of us for decades are also thrilled with the new partnership.
“I have learnt with great pleasure the news about the new partnership between your esteemed families: Mitchell and Bisio. We have always shared the same view on life and business; you are successful entrepreneurs and really respectable people. I would like to congratulate you from the deep of my heart” - Brunello Cucinelli, CEO Brunello Cucinelli
"With Mario's fashion sense and the Mitchells' customer-focused retail expertise, I expect the combined strengths of these two iconic and family-owned specialty stores will create a potent force in luxury retailing. The Mitchell family and Mario Bisio are both longtime Zegna customers and trusted partners. I wish Bob and Mario the best of success – Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO Zegna Group
Mario’s and Mitchells have been working together since 2000 as members of the Forum Group, a collection of independent stores located in the US. “For fifteen years we have traded ideas and dreams, now we get to jointly execute them.” Mario stated.
Allan Ellinger, Senior Managing Partner of MMG Advisors represented Mario.
ABOUT MARIO’S
Mario Bisio Sr. opened the first Mario’s store in Portland’s Lloyd Center in 1960. In 1973, Mario Jr. became a full business partner with his father. A year after Mario Sr.’s passing in 1975, Mario transformed the store. He made his first buying trip to Europe becoming the first retailer to bring Canali to the US. Mario’s was also the first to offer Ermenegildo Zegna and pioneered Diesel Jeans to the Pacific Northwest.
Over the decades, Mario grew his legendary Seattle and Portland stores to include women’s apparel, jewelry and the only Brunello Cucinelli shops in the region. In 2006, Mario’s 3.10 opened in Tigard, catering to customers who favor a stylish, casual lifestyle. MR Magazine awarded Mario Bisio the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. In 2014, MR Magazine recognized Mario’s as One of The 10 Most Influential Stores in North America. Visit www.marios.com
ABOUT MITCHELL FAMILY OF STORES
Mitchells Family of Stores was founded in 1958 by Ed and Norma Mitchell in Westport, CT with their original store, “Ed Mitchells.” A second generation, Bill Mitchell and Jack Mitchell, author of the retail classic “Hug Your Customer,” expanded the business and store, adding women’s and in 1995, a second store, Richards of Greenwich.
Today, Mitchells Family of Stores is run by third generation of Mitchells and includes three east coast stores: two Mitchells stores in Westport, CT and Huntington, NY and Richards in Greenwich, CT. In December of 2009, they acquired the Wilkes Bashford stores in San Francisco and Palo Alto. Wilkes Bashford, founded in 1966 by the retail icon of the same name, is one of the Bay Area’s most renowned luxury retailers.
In Fall 2014, Mitchells Family of Stores launched a long-awaited e-commerce site. Committed to delivering a unique retail experience, the site is a true extension of their stores, offering proprietary customer service features. Visit www.mitchells.com
For Press Inquiries Please Contact:
Andrew Mitchell-Namdar
Mitchells Stores
VP Public Relations, Marketing and Creative Services
203-521-6235 (cell)
Mario Bisio
CEO Mario’s
(503) 780-4334 (cell)