Delaney Fielder reported this story on assignment from the Rutland Herald. The Community News Service is a program in which students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost. This is the latest installment in an ongoing series of articles that introduce readers to local Rutland individuals who are making a difference in their community.
Casey McNeil is the third-generation owner of McNeil & Reedy, a menswear store on Merchants Row in downtown Rutland, known for their suits and tuxedo rentals. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Casey aims to maintain the store’s “non-department store feel.”
Q: What does it feel like to be a third-generation shop owner?
McNeil: Feels exciting. I read an article once that said it only happens about 8% of the time. Businesses usually stop at the second generation.
What do you remember about the store as a child? Did you always want to work here?
I started when I was about 15. At the time, my grandpa was still here, which was pretty cool. Back 20 years ago, all three generations worked together. It was never something I thought I would do full-time. Then after school, getting a different job (and) working in finance for 15 years, I got re-interested. It seemed to be a nice fit. We have family now, so with young kids it was nice to move back to town.
What inspires you and wakes you up every morning to come to the store?
We have so much fun here. We get to meet new people that discover us for the first time — still, after 68 years — which is really fun. We’re here to help people, whether it’s for a wedding or a funeral or just a night out on the town. It’s exciting to help people pick out clothing.
If you were to recommend an item from the store, what would it be?
I am really into soft textures and more comfortable things. I would recommend a button-up or sweatshirt — something that feels lived in. That’s generally how I shop when I’m shopping for the store.
Tell me about a memorable customer experience.
Helping a wedding couple a few months ago whose grandfather got their suits here for their wedding. Their parents got their suits here, too, and now we’re suiting up the third generation. The city of Rutland and residents here have followed us through generation after generation. Sometimes we’ll help people with their prom outfit, then they come back 10 years later to get married.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
I have an almost 2-year-old son. He’s an absolute blast. His name is Axel. (When not at work,) my wife and I will be with him … outside, on the lake, hiking.
What’s one piece of fashion advice you wish more men would take?
Tailor your clothing, no matter what it is. Even sweatpants — they shouldn’t be folded or dragging on the ground. You can make a sweatpant look nice. Your shirt could be $5 or $500, but as long as it fits, it doesn’t really matter.
What recent changes have you made to the store?
If you look up, this whole ceiling was here when the building was built, but it was hidden by a drop ceiling. So (we) … opened it all up, we added more windows to add some light. It’s really the same store, we just brought it back to what it was in the ’50s. What’s old is cool again. … Even though we have modern stuff, we still have old school customer service. Non-department store feel. We’ll get people from all around New England who drive three or more hours to come find a suit. We’re going to do some more work within the next month or two so we can offer a bathroom, space for people traveling, and serve coffee.
What’s your goal for McNeil & Reedy’s future?
For the future here, we’re going to continue to build upon the customer experience. The reason people come here is because it’s an experience. It’s not a department store. … The three owners are here most every day. We just want people to come and have a good experience, even if they shop or don’t shop.