Marcus Lemonis, fashion czar?
Brigid Sweeney
Marcus Lemonis is apparently really into women's fashion.
"He has a great eye for it; he's really gotten into colors, materials, construction and how a woman would feel in something," said Stephanie Menkin, president of ML Fashion Group, an expanding group within Lemonis' empire. "He was very close with his mother and she had trouble finding clothes she felt good in. He really empathized with her plight, so this became a passion project."
"This" is Marcus, an upscale, two-story shop at 110 E. Delaware Pl. in the Gold Coast. Filled with labels including Elizabeth & James, Rebecca Taylor, Alice & Olivia and James Perse, the bright, loft-like store opened quietly last week. It will be joined by outposts in Aspen, Colo.; New York and, early next year, west suburban Hinsdale, according to Menkin.
Lemonis, a serial entrepreneur who rose to fame by counseling small business owners on CNBC's reality show "The Profit," is also CEO of Camping World, a Lincolnshire-based national chain of RV dealerships that went public last year, and Good Sam, an RV travel club under the same holding company. He also invests in other businesses, including an ill-fated dalliance with Chicago coffee shop chain Bow Truss.
Lemonis already operates retail stores under the name Denim & Soul, which has eight locations, including spots in Lake Forest and Winnetka, and a soon-to-open store in Naperville; Final Sale, a discount designer store in north suburban Highland Park and New York; and Union73, a mid-priced, fashion-forward label with locations in Lincoln Park and Minneapolis.
In addition to apparel, the Gold Coast Marcus store carries coffee table books, jewelry, hostess gifts and artwork curated by Lemonis. The fashion offerings upstairs are selected to complement "a cozy boudoir" vibe, with "nightgowns, cozy big sweaters, leggings and Wolford stockings," Menkin said. Lemonis personally sources merchandise from several channels: vendors and labels he likes; lines he owns, such as a.M Marcus Anthony cashmere; and private-label partnerships he strikes.
"Based on the feedback and interest of our shoppers, I've filled the store with best-sellers they already love, while also introducing new brands and statement pieces they won't be able to live without," Lemonis said in a statement. "Our store is here to help women feel their best in quality fashion from around the world and take charge of their lives."