portrait photos by: JEJ PHOTOS
product photos by: TYLER HAMPTON
by MARTIE EMORY, with insights from Tyler Hampton
Manifesting the respect and enjoyment of unmatched sophistication and a nod to personal style as it was meant to be, the family owned and operated haberdashery, Hampton’s, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The initial decade of commerce has allowed the mother and son duo of Jan and Tyler Hampton the opportunity to continually expand the business’ horizons and expose the Lake Norman area to the finest collections of clothing and accessories crafted worldwide. This prominent men’s clothier, with its loyal and grateful following of clients, keeps its promise to assist in curating a sensible wardrobe which you will be proud to wear.
The lake hasn’t always offered this caliber of shopping, though. After realizing the absence of a reputable men’s store in the Lake Norman area, and truthfully, a complete neglect of the entire population between Charlotte and Winston-Salem, Tyler decided he was just the person to remedy this problem, so he and Jan paired together to form what would become a style destination.
Originally known as Dixieland Clothing, the store humbly opened on March 30th, 2014, in a small, downtown Davidson storefront owned by Tyler’s grandfather, Dr. Donald Copeland. “The idea came to life during a semester I took off due to transferring colleges, and the location couldn’t have been better for the store my mother and I wanted to open,” explains Tyler. At that point, the inventory selections were more casual and better-known brands than today. “I knew I would be leaving for school again in August, so I wanted items and brands which were easily familiar for the customers and employees alike. Much of what we carry today requires more expertise and is sold based on the quality of the item rather than the name on the label.”
After Tyler’s graduation from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May of 2016, he and Jan decided the time had come for a new chapter of the store as well. It was then that the rebranding to the namesake occurred, and a move to the Langtree Lake Norman development followed thereafter. Hampton’s spent six years at Langtree before seeking other opportunities to expand, and in early 2023, that opportunity presented itself. Last June, Hampton’s happily returned to its roots and the magic of Main Street – only this time, in Mooresville.
The downtown Mooresville location was previously a retail store on the first floor complete with an apartment above, and now the upstairs area is a designated custom clothing “suite” – an expansive showroom of custom clothing options. The unique space also includes a well-stocked bourbon bar – part of the entire Hampton’s shopping experience. The sense of community in the downtown district is strong, and increased foot traffic in the new location has been a definite advantage.
What stands out most about Hampton’s is the passion you see in every dapper detail.
“I intentionally designed a store where I would want to shop,” explains Tyler.
The store’s impressive selection includes current offerings from vendors around the globe, and for several of those elite lines, Hampton’s is the exclusive retailer in the United States. While you may find some of the lines unfamiliar, they will be among your new favorites once you sample their unsurpassed quality and distinguished styling. It’s the esteemed level of product – along with a passion for what they do every day – that sets Hampton’s a notch above the competition.
Here is where you can build a wardrobe that is uniquely yours, with ready-to-wear and custom options from tailoring houses throughout Europe and the United States. Hampton’s features clothing designed precisely to your personal fit, offering the appeal of luxurious fabrics and unsurpassed attention to detail. That’s true of everything they carry – from upscale golf apparel to the most magnificent Neapolitan tailored garments.
Whether you’re a connoisseur of sophisticated casual attire for your everyday busy lifestyle, or in search of a one-of-a-kind suit for a special occasion, the Hampton’s experts take pride in being the region’s exclusive source for Stile Latino, Ravazzolo, Sartorio, Scabal, Scarpe Di Bianco, Fedeli, Emanuel Berg, Hagen, Paul & Shark, Peter Millar and numerous other fine collections.
This summer, you’ll discover a few new lines at Hampton’s, including Clint Orms Silversmiths & Engravers, Stile Latino, Sannino Shirting and the exciting expansion of their own brand, Jacket Required. Every piece in the Jacket Required collection is artfully designed by Tyler and made exclusively for Hampton’s by some of the finest makers in the world.
But, the presence of Hampton’s style on the local fashion scene doesn’t stop there! Always expanding his reach and client base, Tyler has recently opened a new western store in Kannapolis, NC called Palomino.
“Growing up with horses – and with a love for the western lifestyle – was my primary inspiration for the new store,” he shares. “I spend a lot of time in Texas, and we don’t really have any stores in this area which authentically embrace the western way of life. Much like with Hampton’s, when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to take advantage of it.”
Palomino will offer a curated assortment of hats, boots and silver – all made in Texas – as well as fully custom items in all of those categories. That includes the shaping and customizing of hats right in the new store. Palomino will also carry a variety of staple items from renowned western wear lines.
Tyler adds that none of this would have ever been possible without Jan and the support from family members. “People ask me constantly how I work with my mother every day, but to be honest, I love it (we have our moments, of course). I’ve always gotten along extremely well with my parents, and I’m glad I get to share this time and the excitement of business with them.”
“Entrepreneurship is just in my blood. My dad, both grandfathers and several of our relatives have owned successful businesses for decades. My entire life, I have seen firsthand what it takes to run businesses as well as the importance of family within those companies. This is where my love and passion for family owned businesses developed, and I do my best to support as many of those as possible.” He also expressed that Jan has been monumental in the success and longevity of both Hampton’s and his father’s (Michael Hampton) auto repair business in Huntersville. This is a legacy Tyler hopes to pass on to his future family.
Clearly a strong believer in the fortitude of family ties, Tyler says he also enjoys collaborating with other vendors who are family owned – and often finds himself working with the second or third generation of a business.
“It’s simple – we understand each other and appreciate the strength in family,” he adds. Hands-on with the business right from the beginning, Tyler personally selects which clothing lines become part of the Hampton’s experience, building on the business reputation that continues to expand.
For your summertime wardrobe refresh, Hampton’s is conveniently located in charming Downtown Mooresville at 138 N. Main Street, 704.230.4458. Visit them online at hamptonsmens.com for a glimpse of new arrivals of fine menswear, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @hamptonsmens for updates on upcoming trunk shows as the exciting fall season approaches. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tyler’s new venture – Palomino – recently opened in downtown Kannapolis, NC, at 105 West Avenue, and online at palomino-western.com.
“It’s always better to be the only man in the room wearing a sportcoat than the only one without.”
