The Haberdashery
Luke Nolan knows noggins. Whether yours is a small, average, or Sputnik-sized, his Exchange District shop has a style that will capture your cranium – and your personal style.
The shop is an extension of Nolan’s personal style, with an antique barber shop chair, a taxidermy Canada goose wearing a perfectly goose-proportion-aviator hat and an extensive vinyl collection he spins in store in favour of any Spotify playlist. He also has a selection of Thomas Hinds cigars available to round out the vintage vibe.
Q: How did the Haberdashery get its start?
A: I started at a kiosk in St. Vital Centre before moving to Corydon Avenue. Ten years ago, I opened the store here (at 84 Albert Street). Winnipeg didn’t have a shop focused on fashionable hats – and we’re still the only one!
Q: Why hats?
A: I love hats and I love how people look in hats. I can turn people who say they’re not hat people into hat people.
Q: Who are your customers?
A: We get the old-school guys – seniors who have always worn hats. There’s the younger crowd who are looking for the old styles, but with a twist.
Q: What are your most popular styles? How do you stay on top of trends?
A: Fedoras are most popular, for men and women. Ivy caps, straw hats, cloche-style hats are all in. I keep an eye on the Grammys, the Oscars, royal weddings… you see what’s in and what people are looking for.
Q: What’s are your challenges as a specialized local business?
A: January to March is tough. It’s hard to get people in when the weather is 40 below. I get it. It’s not like I want to be here when it’s 40 below either. Spring and Summer in the Exchange are great! With the festivals, art scene and more people moving here, it just keeps growing.
Q: What is your commitment to local?
A: Our suppliers are all Canadian. I want to support business here and ensure quality. I also use local makers for accessories – knit hats and scarves to bow ties, pocket squares and Lahey’s (a line of locally-made men’s grooming products).
Q: What advice do you have for people who are just starting out in business?
A: Give it time. It can take two to three years to hit your stride. It’s going to be hard. You’ll learn by trial and error. Be honest. Be generous and good things will come your way.
All Photos by Claudine Gervais
