John Lindley is carrying on a family tradition — in style. At least six days a week you'll find him in west Omaha behind the counter or among the racks at Lindley Clothing Co., the Greater Omaha Chamber's July Small Business of the Month.
"My grandparents opened the original store in Wahoo in 1935," said Lindley.
Seventy-five years later he owns and oversees Lindley's flagship operation, a successful men's clothier situated near 132nd and West Dodge Road since 1993.
"This location has proved to be a perfect spot. If I needed to move I wouldn't know where to go," said Lindley. "The expressway easily gets people here."
Despite a challenging economy, traffic into the store has remained steady these last few years. Lindley credits an "active" inventory and solid customer service.
"We've always been about 70 percent sportswear," he explained. "When you 'do' sportswear like we do, we get new stuff in every month. Customers can come in six - eight times a year. But, if you're buying suits, twice a year is plenty and lots of times, once a year."
"Service is what we sell," said Lindley. "When people come in the door, they need to be greeted within three or four seconds and talked to about what they need."
Lindley described his team (four employees, including one full-time tailor) as the "best in town" with over 100 years of combined experience in the clothing business. In just a few months they'll gear up for their busy season.
"The fourth quarter is a big part of the business," said Lindley.
To capture as much holiday commerce as possible, the store will, once again, shift to a temporary seven-day schedule, adding Sunday hours from October to January. Additional plans for the fall include a big 75th anniversary sale (celebrating the opening of the original Lindley Clothing) and an extensive interior remodel.
"We're going to do a facelift on the inside of the store: new carpet, paint, wallpaper and new lighting. Lighting is crucial," said Lindley.
While owning a clothing store may leave some people feeling worn, Lindley, who worked 318 days last year, said he finds a lot of satisfaction in the store's continued success.
"I think if you interviewed ten guys, nine of them would tell you they'd love to have their own business. It's all I know," he said.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is the sponsor of the Small Business of the Month award. View more information or nominate a small business online.