a premier fashion buying office dedicated to empowering independent specialty stores, and keeping them ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of fashion retail.
DLS believes customer shopping should be an exciting and pleasurable experience by the blending of interesting architecture, innovative marketing, outstanding merchandise presentations and exceptional customer service.
The combination of all these elements makes the store special. We must continually search, learn and adjust to change; and at the same time remain cost efficient. DLS also maintains key partnerships that concentrate on the ever-changing retail technologies, especially in marketing and
CRM to help your store stay current in this ever-changing marketplace.
History
Established in 1980, with a membership of 25 specialty stores, DLS has evolved to be the number one better specialty buying office with the strength of 100+ men’s stores. We started with one simple idea, let us group together specialty stores to compete with the majors in every way by making the product special.
DLS has always been based Manhattan which is convenient to the entire menswear market place. DLS continues to evolve in merchandising, operations, and new strategic marketing tactics.
While we continue to pursue and evolve a blending of luxury, classic, and contemporary apparel, there is also a focus on building the areas of gifts, personal grooming, gourmet packaged foods, select home accessories, novelty books, and other items to create a unique lifestyle and modern attitude for your store.
Our Principals
The DLS principals work exclusively for the interest of the member stores, staying ahead of an always-changing market.
From visiting factories in Italy and the US, to viewing comprehensive collections, the DLS staff is continuously building relationships in the market, creating incentives, staying current with the trends and best sellers, and finding that special item to fulfill a sale. We are in Market 12 months a year; not just during the brand’s seasonal campaigns.
The DLS Apparel Group is knit together with a team of former retailers with experience at (Barneys New York, Ermenegildo Zegna, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc.) They are:
Principals:
Fred Derring – men’s clothing, sportswear, and accessories
Virginia Sandquist-Wenzel – operations, accessories, gifts, and gourmet food gift-ables
Retail specialist:
John Totolis – men’s clothing, sportswear, and accessories