Steve Bullington knows clothes. Really. This Georgia native has been working in the fashion industry since he was 15 years old. And without giving Steve’s age away, we can safely say that means he’s got about a half century of experience. Growing up a family with a handful of sisters, Steve freely admits that money was tight, and clothing often came in the form of hand-me-downs. He worked odd jobs and at one point had the largest paper route in Clayton County so he could buy his own clothes at Sears when he went to visit his grandparents.
Back in those days before malls, Steve went into a local men’s store and asked if they were hiring. Steve was advised that due to state laws the store couldn’t hire him until he was 16 years old. So, being an enterprising young man, Steve told them he would work for free. He was compensated with clothing from the store that sold the golf sweaters and other attire made popular at that time by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Eventually he moved on to work at another department store selling brands like Izod and Gant, and with other men’s stores in Florida. Then came Ralph Lauren.
In 1971, Ralph Lauren opened his first Polo store in Beverly Hills. Steve went to work at Muse’s Clothing Company in the city’s first Ralph Lauren store. He was the Polo buyer and worked to open two Polo stores. In the early 1980s, Steve visited Sea Island. While he enjoyed his time there, he didn’t really ever have the chance to explore St. Simons Island. During a later visit, he stayed at Queen’s Court and fell in love with the island and decided to move here.
At that time, Steve was approached by Scott Hudgins about bringing a Polo store to the new mall in Brunswick that was being built to replace the one that had burned down. They would even build the store and finance the inventory. While Ralph Lauren wasn’t interested in opening a store in Brunswick, Steve was given the go-ahead to open a men’s store that looked like a Polo store in the new mall. And so, in October of 1984, only a couple months after moving to the island, Steve opened his clothing store in the Brunswick Mall. His capable manager at the time was none other than Amy Lovin, former Sea Island employee, beloved teacher, and community theatre diva.
However, it wasn’t long before Hudgins sold the mall, and they were advised that rent would be doubling. Steve was in New York buying for Fall 1985 and while out for dinner with some Ralph Lauren execs, they began talking about a new division that would be opening focused specifically on country clubs and resorts. They wanted Steve to be a part of it. So, that was the direction life took him. The local store closed, and Steve ended up spending a total of 22 years with Ralph Lauren. In fact, he was the company’s first salesman of the year. After Steve left Ralph Lauren around 2000, he spent some time with Nautica and doing other things. Then came 9-11 and the whole world changed. For him. For everyone.
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It wasn’t long before Steve found his footing in the fashion industry once again though. In 2003, he was offered a men’s showroom on the women’s floor of the Atlanta apparel mart. It was from there that the Bullington clothing line emerged, with Steve designing and making his own brand of apparel. While his Ralph Lauren roots clearly show through in the classic styles he offers, Steve is clear that with the Bullington line, he’s not trying to be everything to everybody. He offers classic, traditional menswear for the resort, country club, and lodge experience.
The Bullington line originated because Steve discovered that his customers didn’t want logos on their clothing. He began making golf shirts accordingly, then expanded to include sport shirts, and now offers an entire collection, including sweaters and vests of all types. The Bullington store also offers leather luggage and unique gifts. As Steve describes it, “Bullington is a classic, traditional collection of menswear that never goes out of style. It is always in good taste and is continuously discovered by new generations.” Multiple merchandising awards won by Bullington during their 19 year history prove that Steve not only produces quality clothes but knows his market well.
Steve opened the Bullington store in Frederica North Shopping Plaza two years ago. By his side and often at the shop’s front door is charming greeter, Rosie, his 3-year-old rescue pup. When asked how St. Simons Island differs from other markets, Steve says that men here are looking for a more laid-back style with perfect fit. The styles you find in his store cater to the island lifestyle, weekend hunting and fishing trips, and even our collective love of the UGA Bulldogs. Gift items that range from humidors to knives to shaving sets and luxurious leather products are designed for those who have a keen eye for quality and refined tastes. Even the candles smell exquisite!
Some must-haves for the fall and winter seasons are the Cumberland field vests and jackets, and long-sleeved sport shirts. You can’t go wrong with any of the vests and plaid button-downs, honestly! Cozy brushed-cotton flannels are warm and stylish too. If you’re looking for a bargain, be sure to check the Bullington sale racks for some great deals. If you need help finding the perfect gift or determining fit, Steve is happy to assist you. Stop by the store at 3600 Frederica Road between 10:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday or shop the website at stevebullington.com.
