Quite suitable

Weller’s Men’s Wear is Will Tobaben’s alpha and omega.

Tobaben started his career with Weller’s in the 1960s downtown, worked elsewhere, then returned in 1990 to the store now in Thompson Hills Shopping Center. All together, he has more than 30 years of experience in retail sales. He likes meeting different people “and the fact that you’re helping people make choices.”

Some of Tobaben’s job duties include unpacking inventory, changing display cases, marking items for retail and stocking shelves. He also works to keep the store clean by putting clothing back in its place, vacuuming and cleaning windows.

A neat, clean store is “more appealing to people who come in the door.”

Shoppers sometimes have an idea of what color or style they are looking for, while others need help deciding. That’s when Tobaben steps in.

Tuxedo rentals are a popular service at Weller’s, and Tobaben helps measure for the suits. Tobaben knows well the catalog of tuxedos, which the store updates twice a year, so he can help guide folks to what they want.

Brown and tan tuxedos have become popular, “which you had never seen before,” he said. Polka dot ties are also catching on, he said.

Other suit styles have seen little change over the years, Tobaben said. Customers often have a color and style in mind when they come into the store. Some prefer solid suits or pinstripes. Tobaben likes pinstripes for himself.

“A pinstripe is always good for a business suit,” he said.

What has changed is which people wear suits to work. Teachers, doctors and other professionals no longer wear complete suits anymore.

“It’s gone fairly casual within the past 10 to 15 years,” he said.

The store also carries shirts, sweaters, casual pants, Levi jeans, pajamas, cologne, shoes, ties and other men’s wear. The appropriate length for a tie is to come to the waistband or belt, Tobaben said. Within the past 10 years, zipper ties became a new addition to men’s wear. Zipper ties are pre-tied and adjustable with a zipper.

“You’d be surprised by the number of people who still don’t know how to tie a tie,” Tobaben said.

Customers often shop for suits when they need a replacement or have a special occasion, such as a wedding or funeral. Tobaben helped one man on Friday select a pair of dress pants to match his black jacket with brown stripes.

“Does that fit OK?,” Tobaben said.

“Yeah, it fits perfect,” the man said.

Tobaben then checked to see if the man needed a shirt or tie. The man had what he needed, but bought two pairs of jeans.

It’s these interactions with customers where Tobaben’s experience shines.

“He’s honest,” said owner Ken Weller. “He will tell you whether it’s right or wrong ... if the color’s right, if it doesn’t match.”