By DEIDRE WENGEN
phillyBurbs.com
When co-owners of Manayunk’s Senor, Jackie and Marcos Vargas, met in the retail industry over 13 years ago, they
didn’t expect to fall in love. Nor did they fathom that they would end up happily married with two children, working side by
side to run one of the most exclusive men’s clothing stores in the greater Philadelphia region. But that’s exactly what
happened. Now, this dynamic duo is hoping to double their partnership and success with the addition of Senor’s newest
store location in New Hope, Penn.
In order to avoid working in his father’s restaurant, Marcos Vargas, 31, entered into the clothing industry at the young
age of 15. “My family always did clothing in the basement and sewed [pieces] for local stores,” he said. “I always had an
interest in it.” Vargas made a name for himself in Philadelphia by opening Sarto Fino, a fine men’s store in center city.
He and his wife Jackie opened the store in 2000, and after several years of success, the couple decided to pursue new
opportunities in the industry and worked as personal consultants for many prestigious clients.
Prior to opening Senor in March of 2007, Vargas spent most of his time traveling across the country, clothing the
famous and elite. He went everywhere from New York to Denver providing one-on-one service to professional athletes
including Alex Smith, Andre Iguodala and Duce Staley. Most recently, Vargas used his services to help New York Giant,
Justin Tuck, stay stylish. “My featured product for him was a cashmere velvet sport coat in grey,” said Vargas. The NFL
star and member of this year’s winning Super Bowl team spent nearly $4,000 on the Dormeuil pink-lined jacket “He has
a sense of taste that’s absolutely amazing,” said Vargas.
Because he wanted to travel less and remain close to his family, Vargas decided to reenter the local retail business—
this time settling in the bustling setting of Manayunk. “Manyunk was always a fun town for me and I found that,
demographically, it was a great location,” said Vargas. “It just suited my business perfectly.” With Jackie by his side,
Vargas managed to fill a niche market for area men who were looking for upscale quality goods.
The store stocks dynamic merchandise made by top designers ranging from suits and slacks to casual attire and
outerwear. They carry lines by 191 Mason Underground, International Laundry, Emanuel Ungaro, Dormeuil, Raffi
Knitwear and JC de Castelbajac. Besides the emphasis on unique clothing and style, Senor provides another service
that makes it stand out from similar stores—on premises custom tailoring. “When you come in here for a shirt you can
get it tailored for free,” said Vargas. “A lot of guys go to department stores and don’t get that service.”
Earlier this month, Marcos and Jackie opened their second store location in New Hope and they believe that it will
achieve the same success as their Manayunk property. Within a week after finding it, they purchased the space and
began to get their next business venture underway. “The price was right and there was a need for a store like this,” said
Vargas. “It was perfect. I just couldn’t let it go.”
Both Marcos and Jackie are excited about the reaction from New Hope customers and store owners. “We received a
very warm welcoming from the neighboring businesses,” said Vargas. “I think that once we’re established, the store is
going to do really well.”
Vargas believes that his success stems from knowing and understanding his community. He offers wardrobe
consultations and dress for success seminars at local schools and colleges and also works to build relationships with
area businesses and community members. “You have to cater to your environment,” he said. “You have to make or sell
or carry what the people around you want.”
And this store owner believes he’s doing exactly that. “Men aren’t dressing up in suits as much as they used to,” he said.
“Those days are obviously over, but I’ve noticed an interest in looking good. The way I see it is, as long as there’s an
interest in looking good, I’ll always be in business.”
Within the next few years, Vargas hopes to open six more stores in the Tri-state area. “I have a certain vision and so far
my vision has been coming through,” he said. “I want to be that one well known store of cutting edge men’s clothing.”
Vargas believes that his business will continue to grow and expand, but he makes sure to mention that his success
would not be possible without his wife and partner, Jackie. “It’s rare that you see a clothing store owned by husband and
wife actively still in the store,” he said. “We’ve been working together for 13 years. People don’t know how we did it, but I
can’t work without her. I’m good because she’s great.”
Senor
115 Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
4390 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA
215.487.3667
February 15, 2008 12:21 PM
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Comments To This Article:
Overall Rating For This Article: ••••••••••
Stan - Good things happen to good people
(02/15/2008 , Ratings: ••••• )
These are the two nicest people that I have ever met. The selection and style in their stores are amazing and the prices
dont put a dent in your account!!! Congrats guys, keep up the good work!!
Nick - Amazing store
(02/15/2008 , Ratings: ••••• )
The best service I have ever received in a mans boutique. The staff at Senor is second to none. There quality and style
are simply amazing. You will definitly leave there store with a smile.Congrats Jackie and Marcos I'll see you soon.
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