Pop into the bricks-and-mortar headquarters of Robert Simmonds fine clothier in downtown Fredericton and be welcomed to a land where service with a smile is the rule, not the exception.

“It’s in our mission statement,” says the genial Simmonds, proprietor of this men’s and women’s purveyor of pocket squares, beanie hats, silver chokers and “bucket” bags—not to mention top, brand-name designer clothing—for over 26 years. “We are here to provide an excellent experience with engaged employees intent on making everyone feel right at home every, single time.”

Take that, Internet. Actually, Simmonds—who is so well mannered, he addresses even some acquaintances by the traditional ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’ honorific—is a fan of online commerce. The Robert Simmonds team does a great business processing orders and shipping their fine clothing and accessories right across North America. It’s just that, he says, you can’t beat the personal touch, especially in his line of work.

“We have 5,000 square feet of major brand women’s and men’s lifestyle clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories in a 100-year-old heritage building at the corner of King and York Streets. And we’re still here. That’s no accident.”

Indeed, there are his eight “customer solutions specialists”, one master tailor and three admin people on staff. “We provide a one-stop opportunity for people to look and feel their very best,” he says.

Doubling-down on that message, he even publishes his very own self-named magazine, which runs features on entrepreneurship, the arts, travel and (of course) clothes.

Under the circumstances, is it any wonder that people go out of their way for a “Robert Simmonds” experience? Smiling in that certain way that never goes out of style, he says, “We are tremendously fortunate to have such a wonderful team and the loyal, multigenerational clientele that we do.”