The Faces of EcoGents
Meet the team behind the Number 1 in the Netherlands: Fred, Amy and Mitchell
Fred: The Man, the Myth, the Mancave
It all started with a classic 'closet conflict'. Eight years ago, Amy noticed that Fred's wardrobe was starting to overflow. Her conclusion was resolute: "Fred, you simply have too many clothes." Fred, with the down-to-earth nature that characterizes him, naturally saw it differently: "No Amy, I just don't have enough closet space." What started as a discussion about wooden shelves and clothes hangers grew into the birth of EcoGents. Because if the cupboard at home is too small, why not just build a 300m² store?
Years have passed since then, but the energy has not diminished one bit. Fred is in the store 'fresh and happy' every day to do what he loves most: helping men find the clothes that really suit them. You recognize him out of thousands; Fred is living proof of the EcoGents style, often dressed in one of his iconic ones colorful jackets or a characteristic 70's shirt combined with a stylish waistcoat. At Fred you don't get a smooth sales text, but honest advice from a man who wears his own collection with pride.
The store on the Westermarkt is his ultimate man cave. The atmosphere is cool, hospitable and personal. The proud centerpiece? The DJ booth. For Fred, music is inextricably linked to the experience. In the morning and afternoon he determines the soundtrack, and that choice is unforgettable: lots of guitar work, blues and timeless rock. While you browse the racks, Fred ensures that the needle stays on the record and the atmosphere is just right.
Amy: The Driving Engine & 'Real' Founder
Fred may be the face of the business and man the DJ booth, but let's be honest: without Amy's cleaning frenzy, EcoGents would never have existed. While Fred was still thinking about additional planks, it was Amy who decided enough was enough. Her need to bring order to the chaos of Fred's collection was the spark that ignited the fire. So you could say that Amy the actual founder is — she made sure the clothes got out of the closet and into the world!
This urge to clean up has now been transformed into a flawless system of quality control. Amy is the undisputed 'Hawkeye' from the Westermarkt. Each piece of clothing first goes through her hands. She washes, irons and checks every item with a precision that makes you say 'you'. Not a spot, loose thread or tiny hole escapes her sharp eye. Only when an item has passed her strict 'Amy inspection' will it be given a place in the store.
In addition to the physical store, Amy is the director behind the scenes. She runs the entire webshop and ensures that every order is processed and packed flawlessly. While Fred stands in the store chatting about blues and guitar work, Amy is the unstoppable force that keeps the EcoGents machine running. The perfect balance between the coziness of the man cave and the impeccable quality of a national champion.
Mitchell: The Customer Who Never Left
Some customers come in for a shirt and leave with a new passion. Mitchell joined EcoGents as a customer a year ago, but he simply never left. He was captivated by the atmosphere and is now a regular face at the Westermarkt on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. To work at EcoGents you have to do a little 'clothing disorder' are – and that is Mitchell in the most positive sense of the word.
When Mitchell crosses the threshold, you know one thing for sure: the bar for men's style is immediately raised. He is known for his love for classic, chic outfits. Whether he appears in stark white double breasted costume or a powerful black pinstripe suit with an impressive hat; Mitchell brings the allure of the classic gentleman to Tilburg. And of course there are the ties. Not a quick knot, but always the inevitable one Double Windsor.
Just like Fred, Mitchell likes a good chat and a good dose of humor. But make no mistake: when it comes to the right fit or the perfect outfit, he is dead serious. Are you looking for an outfit with that real 'wow factor' or do you want to know how to wear a classic item in a modern way? Mitchell advises you with passion on the most beautiful and chic combinations. He looks beyond just size; he looks at the man and the style that makes him unforgettable.