Mr. Larkin on Bissonnet, which sells Scandinavian-style clothing, was recognized by the Times.
HOUSTON — In a strip center along Bissonnet sits what is now considered one of the top 50 clothing stores in America, according to the New York Times.
That’s where you’ll find Mr. Larkin — a business that sells Scandinavian styles. It’s the only Houston business and one of two in Texas to make the New York Times list of the best 50 clothing stores in America.
In its writeup, the New York Times authors describe Mr. Larkin by writing in part, “You could go to Copenhagen to get the sought-after wardrobe of a “Scandi girl.” Or you could go to the Mr. Larkin store in a Texas strip mall, an American outpost of a beloved Danish boutique founded by Casey Blond and Patty Larkin.”
It went on to say the fashions at the store “could just as easily be worn for a bike ride as they could to a summer wedding.”
Mr. Larkin thanked the New York Times in a Facebook post earlier this month, writing, “Thank you @nytimes for naming our Houston store one of America’s 50 best. We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Retail is not easy these days- with corporate retailers lining our streets we strongly believe independent shops and brands are more important than ever. We are the ones that bring the culture, community and care to our cities. We cherish our customers, support other small businesses and we even support one another. Many of the other stores on this list are friends and we feel honored to be in their company. Thank you again New York Times. Truly humbled.”
So how did the New York Times come up with its list? The report’s authors looked at inventory, curation, customer service, ambience, location and payoff. Payoff, the article says, is whether it’s worth it to go to the store even if you don’t buy anything.
If you want to visit the other Texas store that made the list, you could head up to North Texas. That’s where you’d find M.L. Leddy’s in Fort Worth. M.L. Leddy’s is known for their handmade boots.
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