Menswear Store Convert Man Now Open On Hayes

Menswear Store Convert Man Now Open On HayesPhotos: Rose Garrett/Hoodline
Rose Garrett
Published on August 16, 2014
Back in May, we noted that the former Nomad's space was soon to become home to another menswear shop, this time from Randy Brewer and Fred Whitefield and Berkeley-based store Convert. 
Yesterday, the new store opened its doors with a selection of men's apparel, accessories, and select footwear from sustainable, charitable, or US-made brands. Pendleton, Ben Sherman, Freenote and Citizens of Humanity are just some of the brands represented.

The interior of the Convert Man space has been redesigned with a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired look, with unique copper mesh installations on the ceiling, a wall of Heath ceramic tiles, and a new ADA-compliant fitting room and doorway. Perhaps most notably, the space also boasts a whiskey bar with free pours for customers to tipple while they browse. Four Roses, Knob Creek, Templeton Rye and Bulleit are among the options currently on offer. 



"We came up with this idea because we have lots of events at our Berkeley stores," the owners told us, "and we've found that our customers prefer a cocktail once in a while (over beer or wine). We love bourbon and thought that it would be more doable to pour shots than prepare cocktails."

Though new to the neighborhood, Convert's owners already have a connection.  

"We love Hayes Valley and have spent a good amount of time shopping and eating there," they told us. "When [Nomads owner] Keyvan Behnia told us that he wanted to wind his shop down and asked if we were interested, we couldn't pass the opportunity up."