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Local business thrives at 20 Federal Place
YOUNGSTOWN
Image is everything.
That’s the motto of Andre Morgan, the manager of Two Guys Clothing store.
“I love making people look nice,” Morgan said.
He dresses the part, too, wearing exotic pieces such as a matching belt and shoes, both made of snakeskin.
The store sells clothes for special occasions such as homecomings, proms and weddings — targeted primarily toward men. The store was at 107 W. Federal St. downtown for more than 20 years before relocating three years ago to the former Phar-Mor Centre, 20 Federal Place, Morgan said.
“We’re just trying to get bigger and bring Youngstown back,” he added.
The store is trying to make the downtown area a shopping destination again, Morgan said. It also is competing with prime shopping destinations in Cleveland and Pittsburgh when it comes to more exotic and trendy outfits.
Prices range from $99 to $500 depending on the article of clothing, such as a $500 pair of Cayman Alligator shoes, Morgan said.
However, the store offers affordable prices that compare to rental stores, he added.
“I just take care of everybody,” Morgan said. “It’s a passion I have.”
The store also has Two Girls clothing outlet, which started two years ago in December and sells accessories and outfits for women. Two Girls is located across from Two Guys at the 20 Federal Place building.
A minor challenge for its new location was a lack of visibility in downtown, Morgan said.
However, he said the store has gained attraction, through social media, including from places such as Columbus and Buffalo. He uses platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, which feature many of his products along with past customers who wear them.
“It’s just been overwhelming,” he said.
Kim Mitchell, the owner of Two Guys, said she used to work for the former owner of the business before purchasing it nine years ago.
“We’ve made a lot of changes,” she said, referring to the variety of the inventory and marketing. “We’re doing really good.”
The 20 Federal Place building was purchased by the city in 2005. The addition of Two Guys is a win-win for Youngstown and the building, Sean Mckinney, the city’s building and grounds commissioner, said, adding that the business renewed its contract to stay at the building for another three years.
“We’ve been happy with their service,” he said.