When Ken Thwaits opened Franklin Road Apparel Company in September of 2017, his mission was to offer a quality men’s clothing store to the downtown Franklin neighborhood. The concept of Franklin Road Apparel came about when Ken was shopping on Main Street with his wife. He noticed the gap in retail options for men, and despite his lack of experience in clothing, he took a chance and went for it! 

 

Ken explains the reason behind the name: “Franklin Road is the main artery to travel from Franklin to Nashville, and it will be here for a long time. Just as the road will remain consistent, so will Franklin Road Apparel. We want our customers to know that when you visit our store year after year, we will provide you with the latest, greatest stuff!” Franklin Road has a wide array of men’s apparel but specializes in denim– salvage denim, high-end denim, to be exact! 

 

Franklin Road prides itself in offering new, cutting-edge designs. Ken says: “Our store is unique and continuously evolving, so if you visited us last year or even last week, you would see all new merchandise today.” Ken gives credit to their fabulous Visual Merchandiser, Earl Smith. Ken admits: “It is overwhelming for me when I walk in because I have to hold myself back from buying stuff…it is a designer overload in the best way possible!” Franklin Road brings a tailored shopping experience to consumers while providing an atmosphere you will not see online or in a department store. They also have a women’s section, but unlike most retailers’ floor plans, you must walk through the men’s section first! So, whether you know exactly what you want or need assistance cultivating a completely new look, Franklin Road is here to serve you in their specially curated storefront in the former fire station.

 

Visit them in Franklin at 508 West Main Street! Follow on Instagram @franklinroadapparel and visit their online store at franklinroad.com.