Mark Shale
900 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
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In 1929, it wasn't all bad for America. Sure, there was that Great Depression thing, but on the bright side Al Baskin opened the doors to the original Mark Shale store. Now, almost 80 years later, his grandson Scott Baskin is company president, and the fine retail tradition continues with eight stores, including the 22,000-square-foot flagship location in Chicago. The company's current president appreciates the past, but also welcomes fashion-forward trends. "We describe ourselves as comfortably modern," Baskin explains. "It is important that the customer walks out of the store looking like he bought something new. We don't want these to feel like replacement clothing." Beyond the standard offerings, this store wants to ensure that its customers are with them for the long run. So don't sweat it if you're going to the gym every day and your suit size jumps from a 38R to a 42W; Mark Shale offers complimentary lifetime alterations.

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Photo courtesy Mark Shale