Providing quality customer service is important to Trina Johnson and her staff at Trino’s Menswear, with that mentality earning a nomination for a Paragon Award in Regina recently.
“We definitely listen to the client’s wants and needs. We make it fast and efficient, because a lot of men don’t love shopping,” chuckled Johnson.
Trino’s Menswear — which opened in Moose Jaw recently at 33 High Street West — keeps clients’ sizes on file, including a description of their likes, the trends to which they gravitate, and whether they want to dress more conservatively or more fashionably.
If the client really dislikes shopping, he can send his significant other to purchase his clothing for him using the data on file, Johnson said.
“It’s easy-peasy,” she added. “It’s the get ’er done concept.”
Johnson opened her business in Regina 11 years ago. She had the idea to start a fashion-forward menswear store in the Queen City, and with that city’s east end booming and commercial base increasing, she saw an opportunity to open her business.
The former Moose Jaw resident opened Trino’s here since she thought there was a need for classy dress attire in the menswear sector. She wanted to provide men with options for formal suits, dress shirts, jackets, ties and similar fashion apparel. However, she didn’t see many businesses offering that; she noticed more casual menswear.
“I felt there might have been a need, plus I have a lot of clients that come to my existing Regina store,” said Johnson. “They’ve always said, ‘You know, if you ever want to open another store, come to Moose Jaw.’ They’d shop more if they didn’t have to drive.”
It’s important for men to have high quality fashion since they exude confidence when they’re well dressed, she explained. They feel good about themselves and perform better on the job. Johnson pointed out everyone feels better when they’re dressed well.
Before she opened her Regina store, many of Johnson’s male friends asked her what they should wear on a date or if what they were wearing was acceptable for a job interview. Many men ask their girlfriends or female friends what they should wear, which is why she has female employees on staff.
In Regina and Moose Jaw, the business shares the same building as Bib and Tucker Clothing, a women’s clothing boutique. That partnership began more than a year ago, explained Johnson. Both businesses relocated to a new location in Regina and were adjacent to each other, with adjoining doors so customers could easily move from one to the other.
“That idea has done well here in Regina,” she continued. When a location became available in Moose Jaw, that allowed Bib and Tucker Clothing to have ladies clothes up front and men’s clothes at the back, with both sharing one roof.
“We’re happy to be there,” Johnson added. “I lived there a long time ago and I love the community. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
