As one Peoria clothing store closes its doors, another launches in Warehouse District

Aaron C. Selburg and Heidi Mitzelfelt are first-time business owners. But Selburg estimates they bring more than five decades of retail experience in the apparel industry to their new venture: The Modern Gentleman, located at 800 SW Adams Street, Suite 105 in Peoria’s Warehouse District.

The duo's decision to launch The Modern Gentleman this fall means that the store they manage, That Guy’s Secret, is closing this week inside Peoria's Northwoods Mall.

Background:Peoria men's clothing store plans to close mall location in July

'Passion is what really drives people'

Mitzelfelt’s family owned the Pappagallo clothing store in Peoria’s Metro Center, and she worked there from 1978, at the age of 14, until the business closed in 1999, according to Selburg.

“I think this store will work because Heidi and I both love what we do,” Selburg said of The Modern Gentleman. “I think passion is what really drives people to come in and see what you’re about.”

The Modern Gentleman will sell both casual and dress clothing. Selburg anticipates the store’s initial inventory will consist of 60% casual clothes and 40% dress apparel. A self-described designer at heart, Selburg has been designing clothes for five years and many of The Modern Gentleman’s offerings will showcase his work. He believes the store will encourage more greater Peoria-area residents to shop local.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t shop in Peoria because they can’t find what we’re going to provide,” Selburg said. “They go to Chicago or St. Louis or somewhere like that. Our store is hopefully going to keep people in Peoria and shopping in Peoria.”

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The Modern Gentleman grand opening

Selburg and Mitzelfelt plan to host a grand opening for The Modern Gentleman in October. Plans for the event include refreshments, vendors, and representatives from some of the clothing brands the store will carry.

Mitzelfelt and Selburg also hope to eventually add a manufacturing element to their business. While Selburg acknowledged that a manufacturing facility is likely several years away, he estimated that the facility could create up to 100 jobs.