Silent Auction

Item Description

Marios of Portland and Seattle and Marios 3.10 in Bridgeport Village are men’s and women’s specialty stores known for their exceptional customer service, offering exquisite designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

In the 1960s Mario Bisio Sr. opened Mario’s, a family clothing store in Portland’s newly opened Lloyd Center. Mario Jr. began working for his father as a kid, sweeping floors and opening boxes, and selling during his high school years. 

Mario Jr. graduated from the University of Oregon and by 1973 became a full business partner with his father. A year after Mario Sr.’s passing in 1975, Mario transformed the store and made his first buying trip to Europe. In 1976 Mario’s was the first retailer to bring Canali, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Diesel Jeans to the United States. In 1977 Mario opened a second store at the Portland Galleria.

Mario’s opened its first women’s store named Ragazza in the early 1980s, across the street from the Galleria. In 1982, Mario expanded to Seattle, opening a store for both men and women on 6th Avenue.

In the 1990s, fashion expert Lynwood Holmberg was hired to lead the growing women’s department. In 1994 the Seattle store was renovated, featuring a grand staircase leading to the mezzanine and a new, expanded women’s department. Lynwood and Mario introduced new lines, including Isaia, Loro Piana, Narcisio Rodriguez, and Prada.

The Portland men’s and women’s locations were united in the Fox Tower on Broadway in 2002. The Seattle and Portland stores now included Ermenegildo Zegna shops and in 2005 new jewelry departments were created. In 2006 Mario’s 3.10 opened in Bridgeport Village, catering to customers who favor a stylish, casual lifestyle. In 2008, Mario Bisio received the Lifetime Achievement award from MR Magazine and by 2010 both Seattle and Portland stores became home to the first and only Brunello Cucinelli shops in the area. 

In July 2014, Mario’s was recognized by MR Magazine as one of the 10 Most Influential Stores in North America. For more than 50 years Mario’s has helped customers express themselves through style.

In September of 2015 Marios entered a partnership with Mitchell Stores. Mario and his family have been great friends of ours for well over 15 years; we couldn’t find a more synergistic business to partner with.

The winning bidder will enjoy this $500 gift card, redeemable for merchandise sold at Mitchells / Richards / Wilkes / Marios locations in Seattle, Portland or Tigard.