The belief that most men don’t like to shop is one that Jason and Jesse Meyer plan to prove to be a stereotype rather than a fact. Today, the brothers opened Milworks, a retail shop specifically for men, at 143 N. Broadway in the Third Ward.

"Milworks is a men’s lifestyle concept, and what we mean by that is we will have clothing, footwear, apothecary, home goods, books and more just for men," says Jason. "Fun, guy-ish things."

Jason projects most of his customers will be young, male professionals who travel a lot and live in an apartment, Downtown condo or in surrounding neighborhoods.

"We hope that girlfriends and wives will also come in to shop for the men in their lives," says Jason. "But we’re not trying to cater to everybody, this really is a shop for men."

Milworks will feature locally made items along with nationally constructed products, as well.

"We really pay attention where things are made," says Jason. "It really boils down to quality and how well the workers are treated."

Jason and Jesse decided to open a men's shop after identifying a surge in male shopping habits and their interest in buying more than just clothing and shoes. The brothers
were inspired by Union Made in San Francisco, Stag in Austin and the Mohawk General Store in Los Angeles.

"All of these stores have mastered the all-encompassing guy store," he says.

The exterior of the building is still work in progress, but it will soon have a fresh coat of paint and a brass sign.

"It’s a process to get things approved in the Third Ward, but this is one of the things that attracted us to the Third Ward – because they are picky abut how they want things," says Jason. "And so are we."

Jason and Jesse have more than 20 years in retail. They owned Detour on Brady Street and operate an agency called Milworks that specializes in strategy and design, and provides consulting for apparel brands. The brothers plan to start their own line of clothing in the future as well.

Milworks will also provide a space for men just to hang out and network or relax.

"We really want this to be a place where guys can come and feel comfortable in an inviting environment," says Jason. "We’ll have the game on Sundays."

Milworks is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 am. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.