With a quick swipe of the scissors, the Selma Mall welcomed a new store into its realm with a ribbon cutting ceremony late Friday morning.

Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Director Clair Twardy were on hand to witness AJ’s Menswear open its doors to the public for the first time.

Twardy said the Chamber is thrilled over the new business entering Selma’s retail market.

According to co-owner Rick Arrington, the retail store is part of a chain with locations across the state and one in Mississippi.

Arrington said he and partner Alan Weil chose to create a store in Selma after they saw a need for one here.

Jarvis Stephens, manager at AJ’s, said the new establishment now employs six people.

Besides offering brand-name suits and casual clothing, the store also has a extensive collection of footwear and hats.

Stephens has plenty of first-hand experience running a retail store. He has been with the AJ’s Menswear company for 13 years, working in both York and Tuscaloosa.

Stephens said the new store at the mall is another important addition to the company’s continuously growing enterprise.

Carver Boynton, mall manager, said she believes Selma Mall will have a long relationship with AJ’s Menswear.

AJ’s Menswear is located close to the mall’s main entrance and is having a grand opening sale all week.