Hope you are hanging on!

Prom Season continues for many for another few weeks. How has it been in your part of the country? In this edition we offer an article about another industry veteran Joe Sgro a great store checklist compliments of Bob Barry, a reminder from CaPax Marry Me and Wants and Offerings. Please read on and send us your comments and thoughts editor@formaltimes.com Industry Veteran CSS Trading of Denver Colorado has announced a proud new addition to their staff. Joe Sgro of BelAir Maryland has been hired as the Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising. Joe is an industry veteran with a lot of experience in formal wear. His new responsibilities include development of new rental and retail shirt and coat designs, fashion accessories and expansion of the highly successful satin vest collection. Plus he will be developing marketing materials, such as swatch cards and signage. Having met Joe quite a few years back at a GLITS show, I thought everyone should have a chance to get to know this industry veteran who also happens to be a really nice person. I asked him a few questions about the past and what the future might hold, just to get an idea what someone with his formal wear background would have to say. Please give us some background on your life in this formalwear industry: I had worked at Joseph H. Cohen, a huge manufacturer of men's suits, sport coats with my father and was looking for a career change. My father suggested S. Rudofker and Sons; I had never heard of them but decided to check them out. I interviewed with a fine gentleman named Bernie Sachs and he offered me a position in Customer Service because he loved my personality. Unfortunately I had to turn him down because of the salary as it would have been a tremendous reduction from what I was then making. Later that evening though, my phone rang and it was Mr. Sachs. He had gotten a good feeling about me and increased the salary offer with the additional guarantee of a raise after 90 days. I was a young kid, 21 years old at that time and he felt that I would have a great opportunity for advancement with After Six and I believed him and accepted the position. So I guess the answer is my father steered me there and Bernie Sachs closed the deal. I worked for After Six , Philadelphia for 22 years until they went bankrupt with some of the best people that are still in the industry today. People like Bob Maggetti who I worked directly with and learned a great deal. Ken Hall, Jerry Mashman, Bunky Wingfield, Dominc Yacovella, Ron Klinger and of course Bob Rudofker and John Mctigue who assembled all of this talent under the same roof. Legends like the greatest salesmen ever Alec Gingiss, Larry Cooper, Roy Siegal, Harry Price, Sonny Borish, Eddie Meltsner and Herman Micci who were the true pioneers of our Industry. After the demise of After Six Philadelphia, I was offered a position with the new After Six Ltd. in Baltimore as Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising. I commuted from Philadelphia to Baltimore for 18 months and it was got really old. The principals of the new company asked me to move to Baltimore and sell my house; they wanted me to relocate there. We then moved to Baltimore and had our home built and have been here for 15 years. Formaline, Inc. was formed in 1997, with my partners Sandro Marcozzi and Bunky Wingfield. Bunky left after a few months to pursue other opportunities and Sandro and I built the Company and grew the business for over 3 years. We sold the company to Pincus Bros in Phila. I was then contacted by Saul Offit (who I had worked with at After Six, Baltimore) and he offered me a position as Vice President of sales with Ascot LLC. After a few months I was promoted to President and remained there for 5 years until I was contacted by Lord West. Things were changing at Ascot, Saul was no longer involved in the day to day and I decided to accept the position of Vice President of Marketing with Lord West. It didn’t work as well as I had hoped due to the merger of Formal One and Lord West. It was a mistake, enough said. One door closes and another opens, Jerry Mashman had a conversation with the owner of CSS Chaplin, Sam Kim, and recommended me to develop new product for their company. After a few conversations with Sam, it became clear to me that this would be a challenging and rewarding opportunity where I could use my marketing, merchandising and sales expertise to help grow the business. I am now the Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising for CSS Chaplin and am enjoying every minute of it. Where will you take CSS Trading in the near future? One of my greatest challenges is to stay on top of the pulse of the Industry and be able to develop new and exciting products that are right and profitable for the marketplace. After development it is extremely important to market the product correctly, through advertising, direct mail, the Internet, etc. I will travel to almost all of the Shows across the United States and with our Salesmen wherever I can be an asset in helping to promote Sales and our Company. I also plan to travel to see many of our Canadian accounts in the coming year. Next to developing products I enjoy seeing our customers the most, many of them I consider my personal friends. I guess after 38 years in our Industry you can't help but form strong and lasting relationships. The thing that really excited me was the strength of commitment that Sam Kim (owner) talked to me about making CSS Chaplin the Premier Formalwear Company for all our customers formalwear needs: Tuxedos, Coats, Trousers, Shirts, Accessories, Shoes, and Jewelry. A total and complete Company that is here to service our customers needs. In order to better service them we are opening our East Coast Warehouse in Atlanta this July. It is a very exciting time for CSS Chaplin and for this opportunity I am extremely thankful. I also am thankful for being able to work with a group of people that I have worked with before, especially my good friend, Jerry Mashman. (After Six, Phila.) What makes you happiest? The most important thing in my life is my family; I have been married for 38 years on June 6th to my childhood sweetheart Fran. We had 3 beautiful children, Matt the oldest was a bicentennial baby born in 1976, Joey our middle son was born in 1980 and Ashley daddy’s girl with my temper and stubborn streak came along in 1987. Our middle son Joey was taken from us on January 24, 2004. It was devastating to our entire family and changes how you look at life. Live for today because life is so precious. We currently reside in Bel Air, Maryland and are planning to move back home which is the Philadelphia/New Jersey Area. All of our family are there and working from home doesn't create any problems for us, so now is the time to do it! I have over 38 years of service in an Industry that I love. I am still a motivated, dedicated and proven Sales Professional. My Career has been distinguished by increasingly responsible positions in Sales, Marketing, and Merchandising. Yet, I am still the most proud of my long standing relationships with my customers, many of which will always be my friends. A Veterans advice for the industry We are fortunate to be in an Industry that provides products for the Happiest Times in peoples lives. The best part is the great relationships with customers that have been developed over the years. I have watched many of the companies go from fathers to sons taking over the business. In today's world you have to be much better than your competition, the independents have to keep their store appearance presentable and up to date. Their products must be fresh and current, and they must offer the best service possible. Don't be afraid to be different from your competitors, buy different products, and change your stores appearance regularly. Take chances.................. Bob Barry of John Barry and Assoc. has submitted a great check list to help us get our stores back in order as the prom season winds down in the coming weeks. Always be prepared you never know who might walk in????

Critiquing Your Own Store

Click here to go to form (PDF)

Expo 27 - Why Las Vegas in August?

The one question we are asked more than any other about the upcoming convention is why on earth did you choose Las Vegas in August? The desert, the heat what are you thinking???? We thought you should better understand the reasons. First, we were able to procure a great rate at a beautiful hotel. WT Glasgow the event planner has negotiated a great rate with the Las Vegas Hilton of $109 per night. This rate will carry through the weekend while reservations are still available for Expo attendees to attend the M.A.G.I.C. show which starts the following Monday. Second, of course is the M.A.G.I.C. show. If you are not familiar with this event please take the time to research it a little. www.magiconline.com The show hosts more than 120,000 attendees from 80 countries across the globe. All 50 states are represented at MAGIC. More than 4,000 companies, 5,000 brands and 20,000 product lines are featured at the MAGIC Marketplace each show. The show has everything for the apparel industry as a whole: men, women, children, and even sourcing for large scale production. The chance to be able to wander around the booths looking for other possible income potential is worth your extra couple of days spent alone. From nice men’s suits selling for as little as $50 to watching the trends a visit to M.A.G.I.C. is worth your time. Our hotel is right next door to the convention center and eliminates commute time during this busy show. The $109 rate carries over through MAGIC if you make your reservation now while rooms are still available! Hope this helps to clarify why Vegas in August and I hope to see there! (800) 635-7711   CaPax Marry Me an Industry insurance provider asks you to think about peak season stock position and if you are fully covered should disaster strike.                             PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMER’S DREAMS AND YOUR REPUTATION Are you covered while altering your customer’s wedding dress or tuxedo? The retail industry is full of misconceptions about what is actually covered by a standard insurance policy. With the bridal season in full swing, is your staff aware of the risks involved in dealing with stock? The Marry Me business insurance program addresses some these issues with Peak Season Adjustment Coverage. As your peak season inventory rises, Peak Season Adjustment Coverage eliminates the anxiety of not being fully covered. If you have a smaller business, this coverage is suited best for fluctuations in your inventory. The Peak Season Adjustment Coverage provides special amounts of insurance limits for certain times during your policy year when your inventory is high and you need extra coverage, such as prom or wedding season. Many standard policies only have peak season adjustment as an endorsement. However, Marry Me automatically guarantees this as part of your policy starting at a standard 25% and can be endorsed for higher limits if needed. Contact Marry Me today to ensure your inventory is fully covered.  Marry Me-Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic. #0144783 1-800-942-2729 www.aboutmarryme.com P.O. Box 3231 Modesto CA 95353 Wants and Offerings: Offered For Sale: Many Items for Purchase still for Proms: 1. Zebra & Leopard Ties many New 2. Joe by Joseph Abboud Tuxedos (Black, White, Grey with black Trim) and Joe Windsor Ties in 18 Colors 3. Many Fullback Vest & Ties: Chaps – Barrington, PE Vail, PE Freedom, Mel Howard Celebrations 4. Single Breasted Coats –Black : Chaps Hudson, Vail 2 Btn. & 4 Btn, Claiborne Citi-Edge , Claiborne 5 Btn. 31” & 36”, Black Monacco. 2 & 3 Button PE America 5. Single Breasted Coats - White : Vail 4 Btn, Claiborne 5 Btn 36”, 6. Color Coats: Andrew Fezza Lavender, Mint, Periwinkle, Spring Blue, Platinum, & Maize Call for details Visit online to view styles or colors www.milroystuxedos.com Dennis Schmidt Milroy's Tuxedos President/Owner 319-233-5222 Fax 319-235-7559 FOR SALE- 3-BUTTON CALVIN NOTCH (FCGI)TAKE ALL-75 UNITS@$40.00, COMPLETE RANGE, MAKE AN OFFER 2-BUTTON LUBIAN NOTCH(FCGI)TAKE ALL-60 UNITS@$30.00, MOST SIZES, MAKE AN OFFER CALL IRA OR ROB AT 973-1948 COLEMAN'S TUXEDOS 649 MORRIS TWP. SPRNGFIELD NJ 07081 Jim’s Formal Wear has a large selection of new white Mandarin Collar shirts. These are Chaplain shirts w/1/2” pleated fronts. All sizes and sleeve lengths are available (BXS to 4 XL). Price is $9.00 per shirt-ground shipping is free. Please contact Tom Wessel at 618-224-9211/Extension 3163. For Sale • Marcozzi – Carlo 5 button – black • After Six – black / white Celebration notch • Andrew Fezza – Red Monaco 2 button – Red • Raffinati Double Breasted Shawl – Black • Raffinati Double Breasted Peak – Black • Oscar DeLa Renta Dimensions 1 button shawl – Black • Oscar De La Renta Dimensions Double Breasted Shawl – Black • Pierre Cardin – 4 Silver Button Notch – Black • Ralph Lauren – 2 Button Peak – Black • Marcozzi – Retro Lapel 4 Button – Black • Marcozzi – Fly Front Lapel- Black SHIRTS Devin Michaels White Banded Collar Shirts – Poly Cotton- All Sizes. Devin Michaels Ivory Banded Collar Shirts –Poly Cotton - All Sizes. Vest & Ties • Bill Blass Legends Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest , ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available . Contact for quantities. • Desmond Chateau Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities. • Desmond Collection - All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities. • Atlantis Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities. • Mel Howard International Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Euro Ties. All Sizes available. Contact for quantities. • Tallia Cumber Vest Collection – All Colors – Ones size fits all Cumber Vest with matching bow ties. Like NEW! BEST OFFER!!!! Please Contact Jen Porter – President Tuxedo 586-264-3400 Ext. 206 Wanted to Buy!! 2 Button After Six LaVida coats. Are you willing to sell or subrent? Contact Steve Anthony at Ducky’s Formal Wear 309-797-9889 Thought For the Week! In a world filled with tough busy times I thought a few pleasant thoughts might help you along. I know it is long! Read it you will be glad you did. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. 'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers with a friend.   The one question we are asked more than any other about the upcoming convention is why on earth did you choose Las Vegas in August? The desert, the heat what are you thinking???? We thought you should better understand the reasons. First, we were able to procure a great rate at a beautiful hotel. WT Glasgow the event planner has negotiated a great rate with the Las Vegas Hilton of $109 per night. This rate will carry through the weekend while reservations are still available for Expo attendees to attend the M.A.G.I.C. show which starts the following Monday. Second, of course is the M.A.G.I.C. show. If you are not familiar with this event please take the time to research it a little. www.magiconline.com The show hosts more than 120,000 attendees from 80 countries across the globe. All 50 states are represented at MAGIC. More than 4,000 companies, 5,000 brands and 20,000 product lines are featured at the MAGIC Marketplace each show. The show has everything for the apparel industry as a whole: men, women, children, and even sourcing for large scale production. The chance to be able to wander around the booths looking for other possible income potential is worth your extra couple of days spent alone. From nice men’s suits selling for as little as $50 to watching the trends a visit to M.A.G.I.C. is worth your time. Our hotel is right next door to the convention center and eliminates commute time during this busy show. The $109 rate carries over through MAGIC if you make your reservation now while rooms are still available! Hope this helps to clarify why Vegas in August and I hope to see there! (800) 635-7711   CaPax Marry Me an Industry insurance provider asks you to think about peak season stock position and if you are fully covered should disaster strike.                             PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMER’S DREAMS AND YOUR REPUTATION Are you covered while altering your customer’s wedding dress or tuxedo? The retail industry is full of misconceptions about what is actually covered by a standard insurance policy. With the bridal season in full swing, is your staff aware of the risks involved in dealing with stock? The Marry Me business insurance program addresses some these issues with Peak Season Adjustment Coverage. As your peak season inventory rises, Peak Season Adjustment Coverage eliminates the anxiety of not being fully covered. If you have a smaller business, this coverage is suited best for fluctuations in your inventory. The Peak Season Adjustment Coverage provides special amounts of insurance limits for certain times during your policy year when your inventory is high and you need extra coverage, such as prom or wedding season. Many standard policies only have peak season adjustment as an endorsement. However, Marry Me automatically guarantees this as part of your policy starting at a standard 25% and can be endorsed for higher limits if needed. Contact Marry Me today to ensure your inventory is fully covered.  Marry Me-Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic. #0144783 1-800-942-2729 www.aboutmarryme.com P.O. Box 3231 Modesto CA 95353 Wants and Offerings: Offered For Sale: Many Items for Purchase still for Proms: 1. Zebra & Leopard Ties many New 2. Joe by Joseph Abboud Tuxedos (Black, White, Grey with black Trim) and Joe Windsor Ties in 18 Colors 3. Many Fullback Vest & Ties: Chaps – Barrington, PE Vail, PE Freedom, Mel Howard Celebrations 4. Single Breasted Coats –Black : Chaps Hudson, Vail 2 Btn. & 4 Btn, Claiborne Citi-Edge , Claiborne 5 Btn. 31” & 36”, Black Monacco. 2 & 3 Button PE America 5. Single Breasted Coats - White : Vail 4 Btn, Claiborne 5 Btn 36”, 6. Color Coats: Andrew Fezza Lavender, Mint, Periwinkle, Spring Blue, Platinum, & Maize Call for details Visit online to view styles or colors www.milroystuxedos.com Dennis Schmidt Milroy's Tuxedos President/Owner 319-233-5222 Fax 319-235-7559 FOR SALE- 3-BUTTON CALVIN NOTCH (FCGI)TAKE ALL-75 UNITS@$40.00, COMPLETE RANGE, MAKE AN OFFER 2-BUTTON LUBIAN NOTCH(FCGI)TAKE ALL-60 UNITS@$30.00, MOST SIZES, MAKE AN OFFER CALL IRA OR ROB AT 973-1948 COLEMAN'S TUXEDOS 649 MORRIS TWP. SPRNGFIELD NJ 07081 Jim’s Formal Wear has a large selection of new white Mandarin Collar shirts. These are Chaplain shirts w/1/2” pleated fronts. All sizes and sleeve lengths are available (BXS to 4 XL). Price is $9.00 per shirt-ground shipping is free. Please contact Tom Wessel at 618-224-9211/Extension 3163. For Sale • Marcozzi – Carlo 5 button – black • After Six – black / white Celebration notch • Andrew Fezza – Red Monaco 2 button – Red • Raffinati Double Breasted Shawl – Black • Raffinati Double Breasted Peak – Black • Oscar DeLa Renta Dimensions 1 button shawl – Black • Oscar De La Renta Dimensions Double Breasted Shawl – Black • Pierre Cardin – 4 Silver Button Notch – Black • Ralph Lauren – 2 Button Peak – Black • Marcozzi – Retro Lapel 4 Button – Black • Marcozzi – Fly Front Lapel- Black SHIRTS Devin Michaels White Banded Collar Shirts – Poly Cotton- All Sizes. Devin Michaels Ivory Banded Collar Shirts –Poly Cotton - All Sizes. Vest & Ties • Bill Blass Legends Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest , ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available . Contact for quantities. • Desmond Chateau Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities. • Desmond Collection - All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities. • Atlantis Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities. • Mel Howard International Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Euro Ties. All Sizes available. Contact for quantities. • Tallia Cumber Vest Collection – All Colors – Ones size fits all Cumber Vest with matching bow ties. Like NEW! BEST OFFER!!!! Please Contact Jen Porter – President Tuxedo 586-264-3400 Ext. 206 Wanted to Buy!! 2 Button After Six LaVida coats. Are you willing to sell or subrent? Contact Steve Anthony at Ducky’s Formal Wear 309-797-9889 Thought For the Week! In a world filled with tough busy times I thought a few pleasant thoughts might help you along. I know it is long! Read it you will be glad you did. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. 'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers with a friend.