From outfitting farmers for their daughters' strawberry festival coronations to helping a cancer patient rebuild his confidence, The Natty Dresser is proving that a men's clothing store can be more than just a retailer – it can be a catalyst for personal transformation in a community.
Host Terresa Zimmerman talks with Oscar Hult, who turned market research into retail success by opening The Natty Dresser in Albany, Oregon. With no prior retail experience but armed with census data and a background in historic preservation, Oscar grew his men's store from a 1,500 square foot startup to a renovated historic building more than double the size. His secret? Deep community engagement and a mission to transform lives through their motto: "dress well, be confident, find success."
In this episode: -How Oscar used market research and his Main Street experience to identify the need for a men's store -The journey from a 1,500 sq ft startup and learning the trade to purchasing and renovating a historic building -Creating community connections through events like the Albany Tweed Ride and First Friday celebrations -The challenges and opportunities of running a formal menswear store in casual-leaning Oregon -Building a strong team through shared values and a focus on hospitality -The impact of dressing well on confidence and life transformations -Navigating buying without prior industry experience -The importance of historical preservation in maintaining vibrant downtowns -How faith and service guide the store's mission and operations
Featured Store:
Oscar Hult, Owner
The Natty Dresser LLC
124 Broadalbin St. SW
Albany, Oregon 97321
541-248-3561
Website https://thenattydresser.com/about-us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nattydresser/
Other mentions:
Tweed Ride, May 10, 2025 - https://thenattydresser.com/mens-clothing-albany-or-tweed-ride/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-hult-b25b531b/
Albany Downtown Association - https://albanydowntown.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/albany-downtown-association/
National Main Street Project - https://mainstreet.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-america/
https://www.instagram.com/natlmainstreet/
Custom Tailors & Designers Association - https://www.ctda.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ctdausa/
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram
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