Alabama-based men’s clothing brand Christopher Mobley is bringing a new location to downtown Athens at 278 East Clayton Street, with plans to officially launch the location later this summer. This will be the second location to come to Athens, following the initial location the brand opened there two years ago.
Co-founder Christopher Mobley told What Now Atlanta that the new location is about 4,000 square feet, spanning two floors — about double the size of their current location. He and the team were attracted to the spot because they wanted to expand in the area, and the new location in downtown Athens will place the retailer in an area with plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels.
“Adding all the foot traffic coming from the games, the visibility and the liveliness of downtown Athens, when the opportunity presented itself, we pretty much had no choice but to say yes,” Mobley said.
Because the space is larger than other locations, the store will feature a wider selection of items from their product line, including a larger area for suits and sports coats. They will also have a permanent Johnnie-O mini-store in the spot, and Mobley has plans to add a barber shop upstairs.
Mobley envisions this location as a model for what he wants the brand to feature at locations moving forward as they expand to new markets.
“We expect this downtown Athens location will be our prototype going forward,” Mobley said. “It’s the perfect mix of our first original store in Tuscaloosa mixed with the Christopher Mobley concept. It’s like an old meets new [atmosphere], a vast selection meets modern aesthetic. This will be the prototype we want to replicate going forward.”
The Mobley family has been in the retail industry in Alabama since 1971. They rebranded their shop in Tuscaloosa to Mobley & Sons in 1985. In 2019, the family evolved the brand to focus on athleisure and contemporary luxury men’s fashion. Currently, Christopher Mobley has two locations in Tuscaloosa, Ala. in addition to the spot in Athens. The brand features apparel ranging from sports coats to polos and luxury hoodies.
Right now, the store is about 40% complete, though the brand is using the space to host a limited pop-up as they prepare for opening. Mobley said they are aiming to be fully operational by the time football season starts in late September.
Eventually, the Mobleys plan to expand beyond men’s clothing retail, venturing into other industries.
