Martin Patrick 3

It seems like an impossible equation: Our shopping centers continue to expand in size and volume of merchandise, yet selection diminishes every year. Just by virtue of the fact that I’m female—and far more stores are geared for me—I imagine men have it far worse.

Greg Griffith, manager of the new Martin Patrick 3 store, confirms my supposition: “There seems to be a lot of sameness in the three big retailers: Neiman, Sachs, and Nordstrom.”

Informed by his 12-year background as a buyer, Griffith explains the reason: “Every one of the big companies is based on turn and profitability, and if something doesn’t turn quickly, they just don’t carry it anymore.”

Therefore, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find the kind of accessories and gift items that menswear stores used to stock regularly—anything from smoking items and shaving kits to wallets and handkerchiefs.

Greg Walsh of Walsh Design Group noticed that lack, and began carrying a limited amount of accessories within his interior design office. What began as a simple rack of belts, cuff links, and wallets tucked away in the back hallway soon took off with his customers.

Griffith recalls, “That was late 2005 or early 2006, so two years later, it just outgrew its space, and he decided to open up a separate store, and found a space right down the street.”

Martin Patrick 3 is very near Walsh Design Group at its new space.

The store’s goal is to offer unique merchandise that caters to both the traditional and the urban aesthetic.

One of the main reasons Martin Patrick 3 is able to stock more unique items is its relationship with smaller companies. For example, its leather messenger and laptop bags all are handmade right here in the Twin Cities. The store also sells gift items like picture frames, journals, coffee table books, flasks, and cologne.

Opening in the midst of wedding season, Martin Patrick 3 already has been a popular destination for groomsmen’s gifts. Women have flocked to the store as well, falling in love with its brightly colored flasks and picture frames. And come the holidays, the store will make finding the perfect gifts for the men in your life easier than ever with one-stop shopping.

Griffith remarks, “People are able to come in here, and get their gift, their card, and we gift-wrap it, and make it look nice.”

Name of Company: Martin Patrick 3
Year Founded: 2006
President/CEO: Greg Walsh
Number of Employees: 4
Address: 121 N. 1st St., Mpls.
Phone: (612) 746-5329
Web Site: www.martinpatrick3.com