Downtown Davenport's Allied Barber Supply & Theo & Co. 

Precision barbering, curated menswear and a sense of style rooted in authenticity and community. Yes, this is happening in Downtown Davenport - specifically at Allied Barber and Supply and Theo & Co.  

Both are homegrown, downtown businesses that represent a growing trend: retail that provides a personal connection, distinct and well-made products and an experience that’s as comfortable as it is unique.  

Russ Maidlow’s Allied Barber Supply has a feel that’s just as cool as it is comfortable. A barber station and chair sit squarely in the front window of the store, which is also a retail space blending the nostalgic and the modern. Hand-made soaps, kitchen and barware, household goods and even a few gifts for pet friends adorn his shelves. There’s a hint of old school aftershave in the air, and maybe a little incense. Maidlow has curated an interesting mix of antiques to display his wares, and offers hip, durable clothing for sale – along with all the traditional trappings of a barbershop, complete with a barber pole.    

“Most men treat their barber like a therapist, and sort of unload for 30 minutes,” said Maidlow. “I don’t think they realize they’re doing it – but it helps, for sure. I decided I wanted to create a place where people can feel comfortable talking about things.”  Maidlow commented that when men sit down in his barber chair, it’s a way for them to not only get a great haircut, but to feel connected - to talk about everything from divorce, to kids, to coping with things like grief and loss.  

 “In 2016, I was making soap as my own therapy after my brother’s suicide, it’s something I’ve always been truthful about,” he shared. “By 2019, I began visiting local barbershops selling soap and eventually opened a place on the hilltop.”  Covid hit, then Maidlow made the move downtown and - after already opening a barber shop - went to barber school at night. Currently, two other barbers also work out of the shop. Maidlow says he gets both walk-in traffic as well as scheduled appointments. “At this point we’re really trying to get the barbershop going,” he said. “We do a lot of cuts for Palmer students – but we’d like to have more business from people working downtown.” Maidlow added that he’s also pleased to see some tourist traffic. “Every time there’s a show at the Capitol or the Adler, someone traveling gets a haircut here.”  

Of his eclectic men’s clothing selection, Maidlow said his ideas were born from the type of clothes he likes to wear - stylish, yet durable workwear. One of his most popular items, selvedge denim, is a heavy-duty jean that’s hard to find. Maidlow’s shop is one of only 26 retailers in the country that sell this brand - Naked and Famous. “It’s denim that’s built to last a decade, unlike other brands.”  He finds that he’s grown a following because he offers brands that you can’t readily find in our area.  

Like Maidlow, Annie Stopulos, owner of Theo & Co., says her men’s clothing and styling business began with wanting men to feel comfortable. “I wanted to provide a service that puts men at ease with the shopping experience and even helps their self-esteem,” said Stopulos. “The biggest thing for our customers is that feeling of comfort. We offer beer and whiskey, and a couch to watch sports,” she said. Once her clients are at ease, Stopulos says it’s like a weight has been lifted. “I’m good at doing a quick style – it doesn’t take long to figure out jean size and fit, and what button-down shirt works best on different body types.”  She says her clients appreciate the process. “People come back because I’ve built a relationship and trust with them. Styling is not painful! I’ve even received thank you cards from people’s wives,” she said with a laugh. 

Theo & Co.’s services include custom suit fitting, personal shopping/styling and full-service alterations. Customers can shop off-the-rack looks, but Stopulos offers custom-tailored garments as well, and has a thriving tuxedo business for weddings. Theo & Co., also shares a space with the Gentlemen’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor – so customers can also indulge in services ranging from haircuts to facials to shoeshines, right in the next room. 

A Quad Cities native who began her career as a stylist in L.A. and Kansas City, Stopulos ventured back home after a decade away, bringing her knowledge of men’s styling to Theo & Co. in 2019.  “I grew up around entrepreneurs, with my father and grandfather owning businesses in the Quad Cities – so I knew there was a lot of risk, but also a lot of passion,” she said, adding that her brother, a local developer, encouraged her to invest in Downtown Davenport. “My brother had a vision of what downtown could be, 6-7 years ago. I’ve definitely felt the energy shift down here.”  

Stopulos, who lives downtown, says weathering storms like Covid and the 2019 flood brings people together. “The downtown businesses have fostered a community that you can’t find anywhere else in the Quad Cities. Being a part of that – it fuels my passion,” she said.   

Both Stopulos and Maidlow have rare business models that live in not only the retail space – but in the service space. “Yes, I’m selling clothes,” said Stopulos, “But I feel like I’m also making a difference in the community by helping people feel good about themselves.”  

Maidlow feels similarly, “I feel like my space is a safe space,” he said.