St. Croix moves to Birmingham from Somerset

St. Croix Collections, a luxury menswear boutique specializing in knitwear, is opening in Birmingham February 1, after 24 years at the Somerset Collection.

General manager Victoria Knight confirmed the move to downtown Birmingham, first as a pop-up location in the former Beauty by RX location at 286 W. Maple Road, and then on April 1 in the J. McLaughlin location at 268 W. Maple Road, when J. McLaughlin moves to Somerset.

“We’re very excited to come to Birmingham. There are only eight St. Croix boutiques in the U.S., and only one store in Michigan with the complete boutique line,” Knight said. “We didn’t want to leave the state of Michigan – we have a huge following. After 24 years, it’s time to branch out and be with everyone else who knows what old school boutiquing is all about. Men are coming here (to Birmingham) to shop. They are destination shoppers. We provide a service – we cater to them. We’re all about family, and that’s what Birmingham is all about. There’s a warmth to Birmingham, and you lose that in the mall.”

She said her clients – who are primarily from Birmingham, Bloomfield, Franklin and West Bloomfield, are already shopping and dining in Birmingham. “Our clients are so excited we’re coming,” she said.

St. Croix was begun 50 years ago when Bernhard Brenner came to the United States from Europe as a young knitting engineer determined to make “the finest sweater that can be made.” From humble beginnings, he created the luxury line.

Knight said of the boutique, “We carry all of the knitwear, which is made in the United States in Winona, MN. The belts and scarves are made in the U.S., as well.” St. Croix is a full menswear boutique, carrying trousers, socks and sport shirts, which are made in Italy.