Business

Off The Shelf

David Wetsman's law
background was always
a steppingstone to retail.

SUZANNE CHESSLER

Special to The Jewish News

Ted Baker shirt selected by
a Birmingham shopper was
the first item sold at
Article II, a new men's
sportswear store located on Maple
near Woodward.
"We're stocking unique items to
catch the consumer's eye," said
owner David Wetsman, a lawyer
now preferring to pursue his interest
in retailing.
"Ted Baker is a London designer
who uses bright colors and interest-
ing fabrics. His are among the items
we've been watching for because
they are less distributed than some
of the nationally-known brands."
The name Article II captures two
interests of its owner — articles of
clothing and articles of legislation,
in this case the uniform commercial
code.
"We have a variety of sport shirts,
sweaters, pants, accessories, outer-
wear and fleecewear," said Wetsman,
30, who is assisted by manager
Maggie Glaser and a part-time sales
staff.
"We don't carry any ties because
we really want to emphasize casual
clothes, and we certainly don't carry

suits. The items we do offer are
appropriate for casual days at the
office.
Wetsman, who graduated from
George Washington University, con-
sidered law a steppingstone into the
commercial world.
"After I moved back to Michigan,
I was involved with my family's
investment business, Wisper &
Wetsman, Inc.," said the self-
financed retailer.
"Clothing is one area that I've
always enjoyed so I decided to move
forward and create a store with an
emphasis on sportswear as opposed
to dressier items."
Before deciding to go into this
type of retailing, Wetsman did an
informal survey of the area to assess
the competition. After the decision
was made, he consulted with an
unnamed clothier who rents space in
one of the family-owned buildings.
Scouting manufacturers offering
appropriate lines became an impor-
tant learning experience.
"I've gone to the major shows to
pick out merchandise," Wetsman
said. He has participated in fashion
previews held in New York, Chicago
and Las Vegas.
"I was just in Vegas looking at
designs for next spring and found
bright, vivid colors shown in a vari-
ety of fabrics, including linen, cot-
ton and rayon."
Wetsman, who also plans to buy

"

OFF THE SHELF

Thursday,
November 13

Temple Beth El

(Telegraph Rd. North of 14 mile)

--- 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

on page 138

_c

TEMPLE ISRAEL'S
SINGLES EXTENSION GROUP

Invites Jewish Singles
50 and over to attend

INSTALLATION PIZZA PARTY

Sunday, November 16th
7:00 P.M. in Korman Hall
Temple Israel

5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield

INSTALLATION OF THE
NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DANCING TO THE MUSIC
OF WALLY DUDA

Menu: Vegetarian Pizza, Salad,
Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Wine

David Wetsman: Law and clothing.

Non-members: $15
Paid up members: $12
Paid reservations appreciated by Nov. 12th.

For additional information, call:

Doris Lipson (248) 355-0186 or -
Barbara Ginsburg (248) 353-7261

11/7
1997

137