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April 4, 2008 Edition - Welcome To Spring!
April ready or not here it comes… This edition offers another great article by Bob Barry on finding qualified help; we have a new advertiser and a little about their company, and an article about an industry veteran Jerry Kline. Also hotel booking information for the August convention and new ads for wants and offerings. Please let us know what you think and what you would like to read more about editor@formaltimes.com
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By Bob Barry
To find exceptional people you cannot afford to stop looking. The moment you are content with your staff is the moment they will reduce their effectiveness. Everyone knows that there is a good amount of turnover in the formalwear industry. With this in mind, you can be a pessimist and say, “I am always losing people”, or an optimist and say, “I continuously have the opportunity to better my staff, better my service and thus better my business.”
Listed below are some avenues for attracting great people:
- Newspaper advertising
- College job center
- Radio
- Signs in the store windows
- Referrals from your people
- Restaurant and other service employees
- Bulletin board in your store
- Employment agencies
- Business associates
- Competition
You should add to this list. You can see that I suggest that you utilize every avenue possible in attracting great people. It amazes me how some owners and general managers find their best people.
Attracting Great People Through Newspaper Advertisement:
A great number of formalwear operators have had excellent results from a newspaper ad. Others have found them to be very ineffective. Many times this is caused by the market’s employment rate and alternate job selections. Other times I have found that it is caused by an ad that is not interesting to the reader.
Here are a few ads that may work well for you:
Sales Person:
Dynamic individual looking for opportunity for growth. One to three years experience preferred. Must enjoy working with customers. We offer a good salary and a major incentive program. Apply if this looks good to you. Submit resume or letter outlining your background.
Store Manager:
Dynamic individual with three to five years’ experience. Clerical, sales, advertising and employee training skills required. Hands on experience in running a retail store and proven sales record required. Salary range of $_____ - $_____ (depending on experience), plus a major incentive system. Apply if this looks good to you. Submit your resume or a letter outlining your background.
You should experiment with this and other ads. Reuse the ones that give you great results. You must realize that the wording you use must attract the age group and type of person you are looking for.
Attracting Great People Through College Job Centers:
Many operators have had excellent results using junior college and college job placement programs. Some formalwear operators tend to steer away from college students due to the fact they felt that they would lose them once they graduated. Many have been surprised and have had graduates stay on and others are pleased to get two to four years of good part time help.
You often can find good people in the marketing and business departments of a college. These people are looking for practical experience. I have found that they often will bring with them great ideas to share with your company. They also often will bring a good amount of business from friends with them.
Because this group has class and studying requirements you may have to be a bit flexible in your scheduling but the trade off of having a motivated and educated staff is often worthwhile.
You will end up using the avenues that pay off. If you have good luck at a certain college in a certain department, you may find yourself staffing a high percentage of your people from this resource.
You also must realize that some of your best candidates will have to be sold on your company due to the fact that they have many options. Sell them on yourself, the company, your people and your compensation program.
Attracting Great People Through The Radio:
A few operators have had limited success in attracting people by using the radio. If you have utilized an effecting jingle that represents your company, you can start the radio advertisement with this jingle followed by an upbeat offer explaining the job. You can convey a great deal in a thirty second ad. Things to push include:
- Enjoyment of working with you
- Your people are important
- Your customer is king
- Experience required
- Attractive compensation package
- When and where to apply
You may wish to experiment with this medium and check results. It is a bit unorthodox but that may be one reason for its effectiveness.
You may wish to use a phone screening process on this program.
Attracting Great People Through Signs In Store Windows:
A “Help Wanted – Apply Within” sign can often attract some good people. If you do choose to try this approach, make sure you utilize an attractive professionally printed sign. A handwritten sign ruins your store and company image.
If a person comes in when you are serving a customer, ask him or her to fill out an application and come back. You do not want to distract your customer and you want to give your applicant your undivided attention.
You can tell a great deal by how the applicant is dressed and their approach. If they cannot sell themselves, they cannot sell your service.
Attracting Great People Through Referrals From Your People:
If you have an excellent classy sales person that you respect, you often can have him give you a referral that will pay off. As we all know, a great deal of a person’s probable success will sit on what type of person they are when they walk through your doors. We are not saying that a good training program cannot improve a person’s effectiveness, but it cannot turn a poor candidate into a super star.
Some operators had had such great success with this approach that they will pay an incentive to the employee if the candidate is hired and remains with the company over three months. A normal incentive for this is $50. When you think about the great value your people add to your company, it can be an excellent investment.
Attracting Great People Through Restaurants and Other Service Employers:
A wonderful group of potential workers are staring you in the face daily. They just happen to be working for someone else.
If you are searching for a sales person or store manager, you may want to look at your favorite:
- Restaurant
- Florist
- Grocery Store
- Gift Shop
- Men’s Shop
- Fast Food Business
Add to this list. This list is endless. Most operators do not utilize this avenue at all. Some are uncomfortable and some believe it is not right. Each person has to judge for himself. I am reporting this avenue of locating good workers because a good number of operators, as well as workers, have been pleased that this method was utilized. Many past restaurant and other service related employees have found a pleasant rewarding opportunity within the formalwear industry.
One operator I know on the east coast will leave his business card with a person he would like to discuss employment with. Often this method works and if he does not end up with a new employee he has often ended up with a new customer. Both results benefit his business.
Note: All employees should have their own printed business cards. They are your best sales people.
Attracting Great People Through Store Bulletin Boards:
Place a bulletin board in a prominent spot in your store. It can be used to show promotions, wedding pictures, activities and job opportunities that your customers may be interested in.
If you have a well groomed, well dressed, outgoing customer come into your store, you may want to approach them after their sales transaction is complete. Most customers will find this to be a nice compliment and some will show interest.
I have found that a receptive formalwear operator can identify a potentially good staff member in three to five minutes.
Attracting Great People Through Employment Agencies:
Due to the cost factor, most operators will only use an employment agency for upper to middle management positions. Many agencies will charge 20% to 30% of the yearly salary for their service.
I believe the use of an agency should only be used after you have exhausted all other possibilities.
If you do utilize one, make sure you get the agreement in writing and only pay the fee on a successful candidate that stays over three months.
Attracting Great People Through Business Associates:
A good place to start looking for a great person is by letting great people, such as your business associates, know you are looking. Many times we will be with a formalwear operator who is discussing how it is impossible to find good people when a business associate will quickly give them three to five potentially great candidates.
A group of business associates that have a great deal of customer interaction is a good place to start.
This includes:
- Bankers
- Salesmen
- Insurance Brokers
- Store Owners
- Club Presidents
- Politicians
- Teachers
These people are looking for opportunities in helping their clients and friends.
Attracting Great People Through Competition:
I normally do not recommend that you hire your competition away from their job. In some cases, it has worked out very well but many times the person will bring bad habits with them that you will have to change. Retraining is often harder than training.
Attracting Great People Summary:
Your people are your company!
With this in mind you should never stop looking for new, good people. Great salespeople for you could literally be right around the next corner. Take a look!
By Bob Barry
To find exceptional people you cannot afford to stop looking. The moment you are content with your staff is the moment they will reduce their effectiveness. Everyone knows that there is a good amount of turnover in the formalwear industry. With this in mind, you can be a pessimist and say, “I am always losing people”, or an optimist and say, “I continuously have the opportunity to better my staff, better my service and thus better my business.”
Listed below are some avenues for attracting great people:
- Newspaper advertising
- College job center
- Radio
- Signs in the store windows
- Referrals from your people
- Restaurant and other service employees
- Bulletin board in your store
- Employment agencies
- Business associates
- Competition
You should add to this list. You can see that I suggest that you utilize every avenue possible in attracting great people. It amazes me how some owners and general managers find their best people.
Attracting Great People Through Newspaper Advertisement:
A great number of formalwear operators have had excellent results from a newspaper ad. Others have found them to be very ineffective. Many times this is caused by the market’s employment rate and alternate job selections. Other times I have found that it is caused by an ad that is not interesting to the reader.
Here are a few ads that may work well for you:
Sales Person:
Dynamic individual looking for opportunity for growth. One to three years experience preferred. Must enjoy working with customers. We offer a good salary and a major incentive program. Apply if this looks good to you. Submit resume or letter outlining your background.
Store Manager:
Dynamic individual with three to five years’ experience. Clerical, sales, advertising and employee training skills required. Hands on experience in running a retail store and proven sales record required. Salary range of $_____ - $_____ (depending on experience), plus a major incentive system. Apply if this looks good to you. Submit your resume or a letter outlining your background.
You should experiment with this and other ads. Reuse the ones that give you great results. You must realize that the wording you use must attract the age group and type of person you are looking for.
Attracting Great People Through College Job Centers:
Many operators have had excellent results using junior college and college job placement programs. Some formalwear operators tend to steer away from college students due to the fact they felt that they would lose them once they graduated. Many have been surprised and have had graduates stay on and others are pleased to get two to four years of good part time help.
You often can find good people in the marketing and business departments of a college. These people are looking for practical experience. I have found that they often will bring with them great ideas to share with your company. They also often will bring a good amount of business from friends with them.
Because this group has class and studying requirements you may have to be a bit flexible in your scheduling but the trade off of having a motivated and educated staff is often worthwhile.
You will end up using the avenues that pay off. If you have good luck at a certain college in a certain department, you may find yourself staffing a high percentage of your people from this resource.
You also must realize that some of your best candidates will have to be sold on your company due to the fact that they have many options. Sell them on yourself, the company, your people and your compensation program.
Attracting Great People Through The Radio:
A few operators have had limited success in attracting people by using the radio. If you have utilized an effecting jingle that represents your company, you can start the radio advertisement with this jingle followed by an upbeat offer explaining the job. You can convey a great deal in a thirty second ad. Things to push include:
- Enjoyment of working with you
- Your people are important
- Your customer is king
- Experience required
- Attractive compensation package
- When and where to apply
You may wish to experiment with this medium and check results. It is a bit unorthodox but that may be one reason for its effectiveness.
You may wish to use a phone screening process on this program.
Attracting Great People Through Signs In Store Windows:
A “Help Wanted – Apply Within” sign can often attract some good people. If you do choose to try this approach, make sure you utilize an attractive professionally printed sign. A handwritten sign ruins your store and company image.
If a person comes in when you are serving a customer, ask him or her to fill out an application and come back. You do not want to distract your customer and you want to give your applicant your undivided attention.
You can tell a great deal by how the applicant is dressed and their approach. If they cannot sell themselves, they cannot sell your service.
Attracting Great People Through Referrals From Your People:
If you have an excellent classy sales person that you respect, you often can have him give you a referral that will pay off. As we all know, a great deal of a person’s probable success will sit on what type of person they are when they walk through your doors. We are not saying that a good training program cannot improve a person’s effectiveness, but it cannot turn a poor candidate into a super star.
Some operators had had such great success with this approach that they will pay an incentive to the employee if the candidate is hired and remains with the company over three months. A normal incentive for this is $50. When you think about the great value your people add to your company, it can be an excellent investment.
Attracting Great People Through Restaurants and Other Service Employers:
A wonderful group of potential workers are staring you in the face daily. They just happen to be working for someone else.
If you are searching for a sales person or store manager, you may want to look at your favorite:
- Restaurant
- Florist
- Grocery Store
- Gift Shop
- Men’s Shop
- Fast Food Business
Add to this list. This list is endless. Most operators do not utilize this avenue at all. Some are uncomfortable and some believe it is not right. Each person has to judge for himself. I am reporting this avenue of locating good workers because a good number of operators, as well as workers, have been pleased that this method was utilized. Many past restaurant and other service related employees have found a pleasant rewarding opportunity within the formalwear industry.
One operator I know on the east coast will leave his business card with a person he would like to discuss employment with. Often this method works and if he does not end up with a new employee he has often ended up with a new customer. Both results benefit his business.
Note: All employees should have their own printed business cards. They are your best sales people.
Attracting Great People Through Store Bulletin Boards:
Place a bulletin board in a prominent spot in your store. It can be used to show promotions, wedding pictures, activities and job opportunities that your customers may be interested in.
If you have a well groomed, well dressed, outgoing customer come into your store, you may want to approach them after their sales transaction is complete. Most customers will find this to be a nice compliment and some will show interest.
I have found that a receptive formalwear operator can identify a potentially good staff member in three to five minutes.
Attracting Great People Through Employment Agencies:
Due to the cost factor, most operators will only use an employment agency for upper to middle management positions. Many agencies will charge 20% to 30% of the yearly salary for their service.
I believe the use of an agency should only be used after you have exhausted all other possibilities.
If you do utilize one, make sure you get the agreement in writing and only pay the fee on a successful candidate that stays over three months.
Attracting Great People Through Business Associates:
A good place to start looking for a great person is by letting great people, such as your business associates, know you are looking. Many times we will be with a formalwear operator who is discussing how it is impossible to find good people when a business associate will quickly give them three to five potentially great candidates.
A group of business associates that have a great deal of customer interaction is a good place to start.
This includes:
- Bankers
- Salesmen
- Insurance Brokers
- Store Owners
- Club Presidents
- Politicians
- Teachers
These people are looking for opportunities in helping their clients and friends.
Attracting Great People Through Competition:
I normally do not recommend that you hire your competition away from their job. In some cases, it has worked out very well but many times the person will bring bad habits with them that you will have to change. Retraining is often harder than training.
Attracting Great People Summary:
Your people are your company!
With this in mind you should never stop looking for new, good people. Great salespeople for you could literally be right around the next corner. Take a look!
Join us in the “City that Never Sleeps,” Las Vegas, Nevada, as the International Formalwear Association proudly introduces all of the latest for Spring 2009. Mark your calendars for August 21 – 22 and plan to join us at the beautiful Las Vegas Hilton. We have a jam-packed two day agenda including a complimentary seminar series presented by Bob Barry of John Barry & Associates.
Packets will be going out shortly for specialists to attend this event. Hotel reservations can be made now! The Las Vegas Hilton 800-635-7711 under the International Formalwear Association room block. They have negotiated a great rate of $109 per night.
Vendor packets have been mailed. If you have not received one or are a vendor interested in receiving exhibition information contact brian@wtglasgow.com for complete details.
Join us in the “City that Never Sleeps,” Las Vegas, Nevada, as the International Formalwear Association proudly introduces all of the latest for Spring 2009. Mark your calendars for August 21 – 22 and plan to join us at the beautiful Las Vegas Hilton. We have a jam-packed two day agenda including a complimentary seminar series presented by Bob Barry of John Barry & Associates.
Packets will be going out shortly for specialists to attend this event. Hotel reservations can be made now! The Las Vegas Hilton 800-635-7711 under the International Formalwear Association room block. They have negotiated a great rate of $109 per night.
Vendor packets have been mailed. If you have not received one or are a vendor interested in receiving exhibition information contact brian@wtglasgow.com for complete details.
Have you ever had a customer ask you for shirt stays or sock garters and not know where to turn for such an item? How about boys’ suspenders or even adult extra long lengths? Or maybe a retail customer who is looking for fine silk suspenders and wants a choice of fittings or button tabs. We have a new advertiser with Formal Times and they want you to know they are available to help!
Sartorous of Brooklyn, NY, has the answer for all the above formalwear dilemmas! Contact Sy Susswein and tell him what you are looking for. We searched for neon pink orange and green suspenders during the past homecoming and semiformal dance season. Kids were looking for bright colored suspenders to wear with a long tie. The ties, we have many. The bright colored suspenders were nowhere to be found. Through a process of referrals over the phone one day I stumbled upon Mr. Susswein and his ability to help.
The company custom makes suspenders, shirt stays, and sock garters. They offer bulk rental suspenders for as little as $3.25 in standard 11/8” width web elastic in black, white, or red. Product can be boxed for retail at a minimal charge. Mr. Susswein recommends an upgrade insert clip to better protect your pants and keep the suspender in place included at this price. This is especially important with the super 100 fabrics of many of the tuxedo styles today.
Retail choices include several 1 1/4” poly elastic styles boxed with 3 end choices available: clip end, drop clip, or button tab. The better braces range from $9 to $17 wholesale in elastics and silk. These are all available with gilt or nickel fittings for the clip and turned cord or braided end for button tabs. Extra long or boys cut are also available.
The shirt stays, many times requested by our customers with a military background are boxed for retail wholesaling from $2.25 to $6.00. Sock garters are also available. Adding a few of these hard to find items to your stores inventory makes you stand out as “the” place to go for men’s formalwear accessories.
Have you ever had a customer ask you for shirt stays or sock garters and not know where to turn for such an item? How about boys’ suspenders or even adult extra long lengths? Or maybe a retail customer who is looking for fine silk suspenders and wants a choice of fittings or button tabs. We have a new advertiser with Formal Times and they want you to know they are available to help!
Sartorous of Brooklyn, NY, has the answer for all the above formalwear dilemmas! Contact Sy Susswein and tell him what you are looking for. We searched for neon pink orange and green suspenders during the past homecoming and semiformal dance season. Kids were looking for bright colored suspenders to wear with a long tie. The ties, we have many. The bright colored suspenders were nowhere to be found. Through a process of referrals over the phone one day I stumbled upon Mr. Susswein and his ability to help.
The company custom makes suspenders, shirt stays, and sock garters. They offer bulk rental suspenders for as little as $3.25 in standard 11/8” width web elastic in black, white, or red. Product can be boxed for retail at a minimal charge. Mr. Susswein recommends an upgrade insert clip to better protect your pants and keep the suspender in place included at this price. This is especially important with the super 100 fabrics of many of the tuxedo styles today.
Retail choices include several 1 1/4” poly elastic styles boxed with 3 end choices available: clip end, drop clip, or button tab. The better braces range from $9 to $17 wholesale in elastics and silk. These are all available with gilt or nickel fittings for the clip and turned cord or braided end for button tabs. Extra long or boys cut are also available.
The shirt stays, many times requested by our customers with a military background are boxed for retail wholesaling from $2.25 to $6.00. Sock garters are also available. Adding a few of these hard to find items to your stores inventory makes you stand out as “the” place to go for men’s formalwear accessories.
Jerry Klein of LaJolla California outside San Diego is one of our industry veterans. He owns and operates with great backing from his wife Janet, A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos and Men’s Suits. He has had this business for about 12 years. These years in California are only a small part; Jerry’s formal wear experience goes back much further than that.
Jerry grew up in the Chicago area and during the mid 60’s while working as an iron worker on yet another frigid windy day realized he wanted to do something more. He had always appreciated fine clothing and came across an ad for a part time job in a Gingiss tuxedo store. Landing that part time job quickly turned into 60-70 hours a week commitment and his dedication did not go unnoticed. His career advancements started with managing the store to becoming regional manager of 6 Chicago area stores. He moved on to training director then sales director to vice president and finishing as executive vice president in the late 70’s with the Gingiss organization.
From humble beginnings to executive vice president is an eventful road. Jerry credits a few of the many great people who helped him along the way John McTigue, Nick Shortino and Frank Berry. Each of these individuals in their own way was a valuable mentor and friend. Benjamin Gingiss’s philosophy also played a fundamental role in Jerry’s business viewpoint today. Mr. Gingiss set standards for each franchisee and educated them on formalwear etiquette. Jerry Klein’s viewpoint on this has not changed even slightly. His emphatic request of the industry is to train all employees on “true” formalwear etiquette. They need to know when to wear what style coat, be it traditional, cutaway, stroller, or tails it is essential information for each employee. He feels strongly this is the main piece of information that needs to be given to all potential customers. “They do not know, it is our responsibility to educate the consumer on the roots of formal wear, coat styles, tie styles, even the formality of the lapel styles.”
In speaking with veterans of our industry the subject of styles and durability inevitably always comes up. Mr. Klein was no exception to this. “The coats of yesterday were made of iron. They just never wore out!” he goes on to explain “We had two manufacturers to choose from for many years and those garments simply lasted forever.” We went on to discuss how he feels formal wear needs to remain traditional to withstand the test of time. “You do not want formal wear to look like something they already have in their closet that is readily accessible or everyone will already own what they need. You need to keep it very elegant and distant from the fashion trends of the day or we have no business.” Like everyone who works in the formal wear business what coat or accessory style you thought was the hottest thing on your first day of work changes as you see and handle the garments. Jerry Klein is no different when asked what his favorite coat was when he first started working in the industry he laughed and said a couple of prom coats from After Six the Madras and Brocade. How our tastes change!
Mr. Klein’s travels as a Gingiss executive brought him to all areas of the United States and he chose the San Diego area to settle when he supposedly retired. With close to 70 degree temperatures year round and the ocean only a block from the business, he purchased his present store when an opportunity arose he could not pass up. He has kept it a family operation. His wife Janet manages the store and his daughter also works in the business. They have a family owned and operated in stock store which he says can triumph even when the giants are your competition. “With the overwhelming amount of take over’s and consolidations where biggest is supposed to be the best it has not prevailed upon this type of business. It isn’t like a commodity product. The customer needs to see, feel, and try on formal wear!” he states. With the global world we now live in members of the wedding party send sizes from all over the world and to be able to take care of necessary changes and adjustments with an in stock store is priceless in today’s world”
What does a veteran offer as advice to the industry? “I love this business; we are being entrusted with major events in people’s lives. It is each and every one of our responsibilities as formal wear specialists’ employers and employees to educate the customer on the origins and etiquette of formal wear! Take pride in what you do and do it well.” Mr. Klein’s successes in this world have much to do with this very ethic. He not only advises it he lives it! Stop by and visit A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos if your travels take you to the San Diego area. They would be happy to talk tuxes!
Jerry Klein of LaJolla California outside San Diego is one of our industry veterans. He owns and operates with great backing from his wife Janet, A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos and Men’s Suits. He has had this business for about 12 years. These years in California are only a small part; Jerry’s formal wear experience goes back much further than that.
Jerry grew up in the Chicago area and during the mid 60’s while working as an iron worker on yet another frigid windy day realized he wanted to do something more. He had always appreciated fine clothing and came across an ad for a part time job in a Gingiss tuxedo store. Landing that part time job quickly turned into 60-70 hours a week commitment and his dedication did not go unnoticed. His career advancements started with managing the store to becoming regional manager of 6 Chicago area stores. He moved on to training director then sales director to vice president and finishing as executive vice president in the late 70’s with the Gingiss organization.
From humble beginnings to executive vice president is an eventful road. Jerry credits a few of the many great people who helped him along the way John McTigue, Nick Shortino and Frank Berry. Each of these individuals in their own way was a valuable mentor and friend. Benjamin Gingiss’s philosophy also played a fundamental role in Jerry’s business viewpoint today. Mr. Gingiss set standards for each franchisee and educated them on formalwear etiquette. Jerry Klein’s viewpoint on this has not changed even slightly. His emphatic request of the industry is to train all employees on “true” formalwear etiquette. They need to know when to wear what style coat, be it traditional, cutaway, stroller, or tails it is essential information for each employee. He feels strongly this is the main piece of information that needs to be given to all potential customers. “They do not know, it is our responsibility to educate the consumer on the roots of formal wear, coat styles, tie styles, even the formality of the lapel styles.”
In speaking with veterans of our industry the subject of styles and durability inevitably always comes up. Mr. Klein was no exception to this. “The coats of yesterday were made of iron. They just never wore out!” he goes on to explain “We had two manufacturers to choose from for many years and those garments simply lasted forever.” We went on to discuss how he feels formal wear needs to remain traditional to withstand the test of time. “You do not want formal wear to look like something they already have in their closet that is readily accessible or everyone will already own what they need. You need to keep it very elegant and distant from the fashion trends of the day or we have no business.” Like everyone who works in the formal wear business what coat or accessory style you thought was the hottest thing on your first day of work changes as you see and handle the garments. Jerry Klein is no different when asked what his favorite coat was when he first started working in the industry he laughed and said a couple of prom coats from After Six the Madras and Brocade. How our tastes change!
Mr. Klein’s travels as a Gingiss executive brought him to all areas of the United States and he chose the San Diego area to settle when he supposedly retired. With close to 70 degree temperatures year round and the ocean only a block from the business, he purchased his present store when an opportunity arose he could not pass up. He has kept it a family operation. His wife Janet manages the store and his daughter also works in the business. They have a family owned and operated in stock store which he says can triumph even when the giants are your competition. “With the overwhelming amount of take over’s and consolidations where biggest is supposed to be the best it has not prevailed upon this type of business. It isn’t like a commodity product. The customer needs to see, feel, and try on formal wear!” he states. With the global world we now live in members of the wedding party send sizes from all over the world and to be able to take care of necessary changes and adjustments with an in stock store is priceless in today’s world”
What does a veteran offer as advice to the industry? “I love this business; we are being entrusted with major events in people’s lives. It is each and every one of our responsibilities as formal wear specialists’ employers and employees to educate the customer on the origins and etiquette of formal wear! Take pride in what you do and do it well.” Mr. Klein’s successes in this world have much to do with this very ethic. He not only advises it he lives it! Stop by and visit A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos if your travels take you to the San Diego area. They would be happy to talk tuxes!
Our very popular Wants and Offerings section is rather small this issue. Don't forget to resubmit any previous ads if needed. This valuable source can be a great asset especially when we are busy. Send your ads to editor@formaltimes.com
Offered For Sale
Russo’s Tux Shop will sell the following tuxedos:
Full Run of Fezza Cannes coats size 3-60 about 30 coats in all great cond $15ea.
Full Run of White double breasted shawl perfect condition $15 ea.
Black eclipse coats full run great condition $20 ea.
White eclipse coats full run great condition $20 ea.
Black peak tail coats about 40 coats in all $20 ea.
White crosswick shirts most brand new in package about 100 in all $3 ea.
White mandarin shirts most brand new in package about 50 in all $4 ea.
Royal Blue work dress shirts from fcgi brand new $5 ea matching aprons avail.
Thanks,
Maria Russo
1-877-tux-shop 1-617-839-8034
www.russotux.com
www.russolimousine.com
Randall’s has the following items for sale:
Vest Programs:
Intuition 6 Colors
Illusions 10 Colors
Leonardo 7 Colors
Gentry 5 Colors
Winsor Paisley 15 Colors
Versaille 5 Colors
Sillouette 9 Colors
Monet 8 Colors
Starlight 11 Colors
International 10 Colors
Anitque Floral 3 Colors
Mosaic 7 Colors
Coats:
Andre Fezza Cannes
Pierre Cardin Slide
Andrew Fezza Blue Monoco
Andrew Fezza Silver Monoco
Mandarin Collar Verde
Several Waist Coat Styles
Please direct inquiries to:
Adrian Hanson
Randall’s Formal Wear
712-277-4223 Ext. 3007
Hi my name is Armando Lombardo from Tuxedos by Lombardo in Westchester NY.
I will be having an auction on April 14th Mon from 12-5pm. I will be auctioning off my inventory and much much more. Perfect oppurtunity for someone to purchase my entire stock of an 8 year in business Tuxedo/Tailor shop.
Bunny's Tuxedo's is Clearing out extremely cheep!
Featherbright low cut vests, cummerbunds, & bow ties. Black, White, Red, Royal, Purple, Fuchsia, Emerald, Peacock.
Tridescent low cut vest & bow ties. Black, White, Ivory, Emerald, Teal, Royal, Plum, Purple.
Genisis low cut double breasted vest. Black, White, Black & White, White with Black Trim, Charcoal, Peach, Royal, Emerald, Teal, Purple, Fuchsia.
Antique Floral low cut vest & bow ties.
Houndstooth low cut vest & bow ties.
Silhouette high cut vest & bow ties. Black, White, Ivory, Burgundy, Hunter, Navy, Silver, Gold.
Renaissance Paisley vest & bow ties. Black, White, Ivory, Red, Burgundy & Gold, Navy & Gold, Hunter & Gold, Purple & Gold.
Thanks,
Stacey Hunt
Bunny Tuxedos Unlimited Inc
3956 30th Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418
ph (616) 538-1760, f (616) 538-0605
Wanted To Buy
Ducky's Formal Wear is looking to buy:
After Six Gemini Fullback Vests Platinum large sizes: 2X 3X and 4X
After Six 2 Button Lavidas
Contact Steve or Cathy 309-797-9889
Our very popular Wants and Offerings section is rather small this issue. Don't forget to resubmit any previous ads if needed. This valuable source can be a great asset especially when we are busy. Send your ads to editor@formaltimes.com
Offered For Sale
Russo’s Tux Shop will sell the following tuxedos:
Full Run of Fezza Cannes coats size 3-60 about 30 coats in all great cond $15ea.
Full Run of White double breasted shawl perfect condition $15 ea.
Black eclipse coats full run great condition $20 ea.
White eclipse coats full run great condition $20 ea.
Black peak tail coats about 40 coats in all $20 ea.
White crosswick shirts most brand new in package about 100 in all $3 ea.
White mandarin shirts most brand new in package about 50 in all $4 ea.
Royal Blue work dress shirts from fcgi brand new $5 ea matching aprons avail.
Thanks,
Maria Russo
1-877-tux-shop 1-617-839-8034
www.russotux.com
www.russolimousine.com
Randall’s has the following items for sale:
Vest Programs:
Intuition 6 Colors
Illusions 10 Colors
Leonardo 7 Colors
Gentry 5 Colors
Winsor Paisley 15 Colors
Versaille 5 Colors
Sillouette 9 Colors
Monet 8 Colors
Starlight 11 Colors
International 10 Colors
Anitque Floral 3 Colors
Mosaic 7 Colors
Coats:
Andre Fezza Cannes
Pierre Cardin Slide
Andrew Fezza Blue Monoco
Andrew Fezza Silver Monoco
Mandarin Collar Verde
Several Waist Coat Styles
Please direct inquiries to:
Adrian Hanson
Randall’s Formal Wear
712-277-4223 Ext. 3007
Hi my name is Armando Lombardo from Tuxedos by Lombardo in Westchester NY.
I will be having an auction on April 14th Mon from 12-5pm. I will be auctioning off my inventory and much much more. Perfect oppurtunity for someone to purchase my entire stock of an 8 year in business Tuxedo/Tailor shop.
Bunny's Tuxedo's is Clearing out extremely cheep!
Featherbright low cut vests, cummerbunds, & bow ties. Black, White, Red, Royal, Purple, Fuchsia, Emerald, Peacock.
Tridescent low cut vest & bow ties. Black, White, Ivory, Emerald, Teal, Royal, Plum, Purple.
Genisis low cut double breasted vest. Black, White, Black & White, White with Black Trim, Charcoal, Peach, Royal, Emerald, Teal, Purple, Fuchsia.
Antique Floral low cut vest & bow ties.
Houndstooth low cut vest & bow ties.
Silhouette high cut vest & bow ties. Black, White, Ivory, Burgundy, Hunter, Navy, Silver, Gold.
Renaissance Paisley vest & bow ties. Black, White, Ivory, Red, Burgundy & Gold, Navy & Gold, Hunter & Gold, Purple & Gold.
Thanks,
Stacey Hunt
Bunny Tuxedos Unlimited Inc
3956 30th Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418
ph (616) 538-1760, f (616) 538-0605
Wanted To Buy
Ducky's Formal Wear is looking to buy:
After Six Gemini Fullback Vests Platinum large sizes: 2X 3X and 4X
After Six 2 Button Lavidas
Contact Steve or Cathy 309-797-9889
“Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends”
~Walt Disney~
“Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends”
~Walt Disney~
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Phone: (309) 721-5450 / Fax: (309) 342-5921
The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of her or his content.
The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of her or his content.
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