All images by Alexis Noelle Barnett.
As a store director, Justin Dean is the stylish man behind-the-scenes at Gentry, one of Brooklyn's premier menswear boutiques. The independent shop's developed a good reputation for its mix of drool-worthy brands like Our Legacy and Engineered Garments with high-end designers like Junya Watanabe and Robert Geller. Their online store has become a go-to for guys who aren't quite sure how to mix in designer pieces with everything else in their closet, thanks to product images and editorials that feature wardrobe staples like Air Force 1 sneakers and crisp white tees paired with the pricey garms Gentry has on offer.
Of course, Dean's responsibilities vary from merchandising the shop to buying every single piece that sits on the racks. If you've ever wanted to be a buyer for a store or have dreams of opening an independent boutique of your own, then you should definitely pay attention to the following nuggets of advice. We stopped by Gentry's recently re-opened, redesigned Williamsburg shop before the "new store smell" had faded from the walls to ask Justin Dean what exactly it takes to run one of the best independent men's shops on the Internet and in real life. Check out How to Open a Successful Clothing Store.