Charleston Living Magazine Nov-Dec 2021

“The biggest shift was when we added
Tommy Bahama,” Eubanks said. “That’s when
we started doing casual clothes and what really
got things kicked off in terms of being known for
‘normal’ clothes. Now, once a guy comes in here,
there’s no reason to shop anywhere else. Most
guys don’t enjoy shopping, and we have everything
you could possibly need under one roof.”
“Everything” now includes casual items
like college gameday color polos to brands
not available anywhere else in the United
States – items such as cashmere jackets starting
at $3,000 and alligator dress shoes that
might go for $13,000 or $14,000.
“We took a pretty big risk with brands
and price points we’ve brought in, but now
we can’t keep them in stock,” Eubanks said,
noting that M. Dumas & Sons is the world’s
No. 1 seller of Sartorio suits and sport coats,
(Above and below left): Clothes and men’s accessories for all occasions can be found at M. Dumas;
(Below right): A wide selection of shoes from casual sneakers to fine Italian leather dress shoes.
Joe and Abe Dumas, whose dad, Mendel
Dumas, opened the store in 1917.
which are handmade in Italy.
“You’re not going to worry about going
to a dinner party and seeing another guy
wearing the same jacket,” he said.
The evolution of the store, in its current
location on King Street since the 1970s, continued
with a major renovation in 2015 and
virtual shopping, a reaction to the COVID-19
pandemic that swept across the world beginning
in early 2020. E-commerce will continue
to be an important aspect of the M. Dumas &
Sons experience.
Through it all, the history of M. Dumas &
Sons has remained a family story. Mendel’s grandson,
David Dumas, represents the store’s third
generation, though Gary Flynn now owns a part
of the business. And the clothier has remained
intimately connected to downtown Charleston.
During the pandemic, it joined with other businesses
in the 200 and 300 blocks of King Street to
form the Middle King Shopping District, working
together to attract customers and hold community
events to survive COVID-19 together.
“The local community came together
to help our neighbors the best way we can,”
Eubanks said.
The business’ website features the wide
range of clothing and accessories it offers,
from polos, T-shirts, dress shirts, sport coats
and formal wear to belts, scarves, sunglasses
and cologne.
But a visit to www.dumasandsons.com
also provides a treasure trove of information
about Charleston, including where to stay, eat
and shop and how to immerse yourself in the
city’s arts, culture and history. There’s even a
thought-provoking essay on the history of the
tuxedo.
Eubanks points out that the 2015 renovation
of the 8,500-square-foot building at
294 King was necessary to make the store
more customer-friendly and keeping pace in
the ever-evolving clothing business.
“As we grew, it was much more important
to merchandise and present things in a
very thoughtful way. The update was needed
to continue pushing for the future,” Eubanks
said. Curated women’s clothing, including
quality jackets, have also been added.
Virtual shopping and virtual trunk shows
allow customers to see what items will be
available during the coming season (a product
of the pandemic) and Eubanks said they will
continue when life returns to normal.
He added that the staff at M. Dumas &
Sons will never stray from the personal touch that
has defined the business for more than a century.
“We’re a generational clothier,” he said.
“I’ve dressed grandfather, father and son. We
grow with our clients’ lives. That’s very special
and it’s getting harder and harder in retail. We
have dressed the Charleston men and will continue
to dress the Charleston men.” •
M. Dumas & Sons is located at 294 King Street,
Charleston. Parking is validated at the George
Street surface lot and George Street Parking
Garage. Visit www.mdumasandsons.com or call
843-723-8603.
November/December 2021 | 39