Convention is fast approaching and all reports look good. We have a great list of vendors and we hope to see you there! Follow the link below to make reservations now.

What are you looking for? Come and see what Expo 28 has to offer. The convention will be held August 27 & 28th in Las Vegas at the Hilton. Room rates have been reduced to only $69 for an upgraded premium room!

Reservations 800-635-7711
Ask for the International Formalwear Association room rate of $69 Hurry!!!

You will receive an upgraded premium room and you can extend your stay to include MAGIC at the same rate if you would like. Members have open access to all convention events as part of their membership, but please take the time to send in your reservation on who will be attending expo which is necessary for badge information. We need an accounting to insure proper space. If for some reason you did not receive your convention packet, you can download the attendee registration form at www.formalwear.org and fax it back.

Convention is fast approaching and all reports look good. We have a great list of vendors and we hope to see you there! Follow the link below to make reservations now.

What are you looking for? Come and see what Expo 28 has to offer. The convention will be held August 27 & 28th in Las Vegas at the Hilton. Room rates have been reduced to only $69 for an upgraded premium room!

Reservations 800-635-7711
Ask for the International Formalwear Association room rate of $69 Hurry!!!

You will receive an upgraded premium room and you can extend your stay to include MAGIC at the same rate if you would like. Members have open access to all convention events as part of their membership, but please take the time to send in your reservation on who will be attending expo which is necessary for badge information. We need an accounting to insure proper space. If for some reason you did not receive your convention packet, you can download the attendee registration form at www.formalwear.org and fax it back.

The International Formalwear Association is comprised of operators large and small. Smaller, single instock stores usually have more areas for an owner who probably works fulltime in the business to keep track of from the front door to the bottom line. We have been asked quite a few times since the organization became self managed about recommended spending percentages. In the store I work full time I ran across a set of recommended figures that Steve Anthony says he has had for a long time and still uses as a reference. The figures originally came from Paul Greenwald. Even though many years have passed since we have been able to read one of Paul’s informative newsletters, I thought I would share them and see what a couple of experts thought and an operator who runs this type of business.

Here are the figures:

Productive Labor
Manager's Base Salary 10%
Employee Wages 14%
Payroll taxes & fringe bnfts 3.5%
Total 27.5%

Processing expenses
Supplies 2%
Formal wear sub rental 4%
Cleaning & Altrtns 6%
Total 12%

Power, building & machinery
Rent 6%
Utilities 1.5%
Depreciation of display, leasehold
Improvements & maintenance and repairs 1%
Insurance & workmens comp 1.5%
Total 10%

Garment Purchases
Merchandise for rental & resale 17%

Distribution
Auto & truck expenses .025%
Taxes, sales, use & penalty 1%
Shipping (UPS, Bus, Frt) 1%
Phone 1.75%
Total 4%

Advertising
Direct mail , TV, radio , newspaper,
yellow pages etc 3%

Office and administration
Supplies, Interest, & expenses 0.2%
Expense Mis. dues & subs &
contributions 1.5%
Legal & Accounting 1%
bad debts & shortages 0.4%
Other: travel, convention etc 0.4%
Total 3.5%

Total Expense 77%
Net profit 23%

And now here is what 3 industry experts had to say about the figures, Bob Barry, Arnie Capitinelli and Wayne Griner.

The International Formalwear Association is comprised of operators large and small. Smaller, single instock stores usually have more areas for an owner who probably works fulltime in the business to keep track of from the front door to the bottom line. We have been asked quite a few times since the organization became self managed about recommended spending percentages. In the store I work full time I ran across a set of recommended figures that Steve Anthony says he has had for a long time and still uses as a reference. The figures originally came from Paul Greenwald. Even though many years have passed since we have been able to read one of Paul’s informative newsletters, I thought I would share them and see what a couple of experts thought and an operator who runs this type of business.

Here are the figures:

Productive Labor
Manager's Base Salary 10%
Employee Wages 14%
Payroll taxes & fringe bnfts 3.5%
Total 27.5%

Processing expenses
Supplies 2%
Formal wear sub rental 4%
Cleaning & Altrtns 6%
Total 12%

Power, building & machinery
Rent 6%
Utilities 1.5%
Depreciation of display, leasehold
Improvements & maintenance and repairs 1%
Insurance & workmens comp 1.5%
Total 10%

Garment Purchases
Merchandise for rental & resale 17%

Distribution
Auto & truck expenses .025%
Taxes, sales, use & penalty 1%
Shipping (UPS, Bus, Frt) 1%
Phone 1.75%
Total 4%

Advertising
Direct mail , TV, radio , newspaper,
yellow pages etc 3%

Office and administration
Supplies, Interest, & expenses 0.2%
Expense Mis. dues & subs &
contributions 1.5%
Legal & Accounting 1%
bad debts & shortages 0.4%
Other: travel, convention etc 0.4%
Total 3.5%

Total Expense 77%
Net profit 23%

And now here is what 3 industry experts had to say about the figures, Bob Barry, Arnie Capitinelli and Wayne Griner.

By Bob Barry

A one store operation managed by an owner can be very profitable

The key is to define your own financial goals within your store

One key determining factor on profit is volume. This may seem very obvious but when defining challenging but attainable financial guidelines we must look at volume

For example if I am an owner operated store and do $250,000 per year I may look at one set of %s and if I happen to do $400,000 out of my one store operation it would be different

John Barry , the founder of JBA used to say that your monthly Profit and Loss statement was your "report card". He also said "what we measure-improves.

The minute you look at the above guidelines you will agree with some and disagree with others- that is great. They are wrong in that you have a multitude of factors that effect your 5s. The key to your success is to use YOUR #s . The reality is that you have many factors that effect your financial performance such as:

What does McDonalds pay per hour. In Boston it might be $15 per hour and in a small town in South Dakota it might be $9 per hour. The areas compensation per hour can have, of course, a major effect on your % labor.

Your average rental revenue per unit will have a major effect on all your %s on your P and L statement. Take a look at what happens to your %s if you were to enjoy an average of $5 more per unit. It is big. You then are thinking that there is competitive and economic issues in the US and within your city that control how much you can enjoy for a rental- exactly.

I once worked in an interesting city where they had a very low average pay per hour and actually had relatively high average revenue per unit - yes indeed we saw some very attractive financial performance there.

Advertising can have a big swing in %s relative to the cost for newspaper ads , radio, cable,etc.

COGS % is of course driven by the cost that you pay for your coats , pants, shirts,, and accessories. Its interesting in that during certain cycles in the tux history we have actually seen the actual cost drop for many basic garments as a % of what we enjoy for a rental. Another key factor is how much we buy of each item and what items we choose to buy. Some small store owners have reduced their COGS to as low as 7% while others in their same area are running 15%-18%. We strongly recommend a solid amount of analysis in this area.

Here is the suggestion

Track your costs monthly

Define YOUR challenging but attainable %s goals by key cost areas

Compare your %s to a non competitor that has a similar sized store. If you do not know one then call the IFA and they will assist in coordination this effort

Look at small continuous improvement

If you have any questions - please call Bob Barry at 949-675-3551. JBA has studied over 500 tux companies financial statements. We never share companies data but we can provide comparative guidelines

We see some very positive things ahead for formalwear operators that study their business and focus on outstanding customer service as well as cost control - yes you can have both.

By Bob Barry

A one store operation managed by an owner can be very profitable

The key is to define your own financial goals within your store

One key determining factor on profit is volume. This may seem very obvious but when defining challenging but attainable financial guidelines we must look at volume

For example if I am an owner operated store and do $250,000 per year I may look at one set of %s and if I happen to do $400,000 out of my one store operation it would be different

John Barry , the founder of JBA used to say that your monthly Profit and Loss statement was your "report card". He also said "what we measure-improves.

The minute you look at the above guidelines you will agree with some and disagree with others- that is great. They are wrong in that you have a multitude of factors that effect your 5s. The key to your success is to use YOUR #s . The reality is that you have many factors that effect your financial performance such as:

What does McDonalds pay per hour. In Boston it might be $15 per hour and in a small town in South Dakota it might be $9 per hour. The areas compensation per hour can have, of course, a major effect on your % labor.

Your average rental revenue per unit will have a major effect on all your %s on your P and L statement. Take a look at what happens to your %s if you were to enjoy an average of $5 more per unit. It is big. You then are thinking that there is competitive and economic issues in the US and within your city that control how much you can enjoy for a rental- exactly.

I once worked in an interesting city where they had a very low average pay per hour and actually had relatively high average revenue per unit - yes indeed we saw some very attractive financial performance there.

Advertising can have a big swing in %s relative to the cost for newspaper ads , radio, cable,etc.

COGS % is of course driven by the cost that you pay for your coats , pants, shirts,, and accessories. Its interesting in that during certain cycles in the tux history we have actually seen the actual cost drop for many basic garments as a % of what we enjoy for a rental. Another key factor is how much we buy of each item and what items we choose to buy. Some small store owners have reduced their COGS to as low as 7% while others in their same area are running 15%-18%. We strongly recommend a solid amount of analysis in this area.

Here is the suggestion

Track your costs monthly

Define YOUR challenging but attainable %s goals by key cost areas

Compare your %s to a non competitor that has a similar sized store. If you do not know one then call the IFA and they will assist in coordination this effort

Look at small continuous improvement

If you have any questions - please call Bob Barry at 949-675-3551. JBA has studied over 500 tux companies financial statements. We never share companies data but we can provide comparative guidelines

We see some very positive things ahead for formalwear operators that study their business and focus on outstanding customer service as well as cost control - yes you can have both.

As far as the wages, it appears that the employee wages are a little high. Without knowing too much, that may be happening if the employees are being paid a wage without any potential to bonus or make commissions. The way to handle the issue of inflated employee pay is to ensure there are, what I call, “Base Contribution Rates”. This is an accountability method that monitors the productivity of an employee by capping the payroll percentage and/or productivity per hour.

Owners and managers who provide an hourly or salary wage (whether bonuses/spiffs are paid or not), have to monitor these minimums to ensure employees are contributing to the store at an acceptable level.

If not, the owner has to either lower the pay/bonus or push for higher levels of performance. The only other solution is to promote the employee to customer (my way of implying termination).

Hope that helps,

www.arniecap3.com

As far as the wages, it appears that the employee wages are a little high. Without knowing too much, that may be happening if the employees are being paid a wage without any potential to bonus or make commissions. The way to handle the issue of inflated employee pay is to ensure there are, what I call, “Base Contribution Rates”. This is an accountability method that monitors the productivity of an employee by capping the payroll percentage and/or productivity per hour.

Owners and managers who provide an hourly or salary wage (whether bonuses/spiffs are paid or not), have to monitor these minimums to ensure employees are contributing to the store at an acceptable level.

If not, the owner has to either lower the pay/bonus or push for higher levels of performance. The only other solution is to promote the employee to customer (my way of implying termination).

Hope that helps,

www.arniecap3.com

After reviewing this schedule, it seems to be based on a single store with annual volume at 300K-350K…Also, the production processing is contained within the store and is done by the employees working in the store…If you look at a 300K annual volume and a 27% net earnings this puts the dollar earnings at approx. 69K…This seems slightly high…I would put the earnings at 12%-17% realizing cost have gone up in the past 3-5 years….I am use to seeing advertising cost at 6% of annual sales and some allowance shown on the expenses for capital improvements such as remodeling for the store which is required by landlords upon lease renewals…I am also use to seeing interest expense for a line of credit from lending institutions to financially support the business from January-March…Both of these combined could run 5%-7% annually…If you have any more questions, please give me a call…

Steve Anthony of Ducky's offers his response

Now, what would an owner of a single instock operation feel about these same figures?? I asked Steve Anthony owner of Ducky’s Formal Wear Moline his thoughts. Steve stated he has had this sheet of figures for a LONG time and still relates expenses to them on a regular basis. The area he feels has changed the most is like our experts have already said is employee wages have probably went up the 7or so percent the cost of buying rental/retail goods have went down. Also the 23% profit would be very nice, but unrealistic with some percentages still a little low on what actually occurs. It is still a good guide and very useful as a reference point.

After reviewing this schedule, it seems to be based on a single store with annual volume at 300K-350K…Also, the production processing is contained within the store and is done by the employees working in the store…If you look at a 300K annual volume and a 27% net earnings this puts the dollar earnings at approx. 69K…This seems slightly high…I would put the earnings at 12%-17% realizing cost have gone up in the past 3-5 years….I am use to seeing advertising cost at 6% of annual sales and some allowance shown on the expenses for capital improvements such as remodeling for the store which is required by landlords upon lease renewals…I am also use to seeing interest expense for a line of credit from lending institutions to financially support the business from January-March…Both of these combined could run 5%-7% annually…If you have any more questions, please give me a call…

Steve Anthony of Ducky's offers his response

Now, what would an owner of a single instock operation feel about these same figures?? I asked Steve Anthony owner of Ducky’s Formal Wear Moline his thoughts. Steve stated he has had this sheet of figures for a LONG time and still relates expenses to them on a regular basis. The area he feels has changed the most is like our experts have already said is employee wages have probably went up the 7or so percent the cost of buying rental/retail goods have went down. Also the 23% profit would be very nice, but unrealistic with some percentages still a little low on what actually occurs. It is still a good guide and very useful as a reference point.

All across the country school will be back in session shortly. Are income opportunities with the incoming new students going to pass you by? We offer a couple of suggestions you need to put into action very soon to take advantage of this market for this year!

First, long term rentals. Long term school year rentals to band and choir groups in both high school and college are already a thriving market. Many of the schools I have worked with have had in the past, band parents measuring for tuxedos and sending those measurements off to companies elsewhere. This is usually frustrating for the kids when the garment doesn’t fit properly and no one local can help. Also, kids change sizes during the year and need exchanges. Doing business locally and providing the service to back it up is always is everyone’s best interest. Utilizing your used or ready to be retired inventory, for this purpose keeps your rental inventory fresh and brings students in your door. Schools all across the nation are spending money every fall to outfit these groups. Are you collecting any of that?

To begin the process, a letter to all local band and choral directors explaining your offer needs to be sent out right away. Next, do a follow up call to the directors to offer an opportunity to answer any questions and explain the program. The directors from different schools are usually well acquainted with each other, so if you make contact with one it can be a great advantage. We always place an agreement with the schools that the tuxedos will be turned in before prom, or kept at school during this time frame or we can not proceed. I set up a time and go to the school and measure all of the boys soon after school starts. Make yourself a form for this process that the student will fill out their own name etc and you fill in the sizing info.

We sell the students the two most commonly damaged or lost items, being the shirts and bow ties. A bow tie can cost you less than a dollar and easily be sold for $5 or more. A used shirt sold for twice what you can replace it with helps again to keep your stock fresh. We rent them used notch lapel 1 or 2 button coats and rental pants. Alterations we offer consist of sleeves and pant hems.

Once assembled, we require the kids to pick up the garment in the store. Yes, space is a problem because they can drag it out over weeks but having them pick it up try it on and do any alterations while they are in the store helps alleviate problems later. We require they are paid for before they leave the store. This happily eliminates the band director from having to collect money from the kids which they love. The opportunity to have each student and his parents in your business can create loyal customers for life.

An information sheet explaining pick up, return, and sizing issue procedures helps the parents to understand. I also make sure to put on this sheet that the tuxedo is not available for use for prom, so they are forewarned. Giving pricing information ahead of time for items not returned also helps, since some of them will lose things and know what to expect to pay for these items.

In our market we rent used coat and pant for $53 sell them a used shirt for $12 a bow tie for $5 and offer to alter it for them any time during the year if they need. Most of the items come directly out of used sale and we take stock items and replace them with new if necessary. Many of the younger kids will still wear boys sizes and since we never sell boys used coats it works out well.

Secondly, group sales: College and high school groups many times prefer to purchase items. You need to do your homework on the best value for the items they are looking to purchase. I have one group who insists on 1 button peak lapel coats, I have explained to them I could be more price competitive if they switched to notch lapel but they are simply not interested. I price them accordingly and back it up with top notch service and they never complain and return every year. Many of the manufacturers offer great prices on rental wool or poly goods for this situation.

Lastly, homecoming royalty: If you do a thriving formal homecoming business in your area, this may not be for you. We send out a letter to all the local high schools offering to outfit their senior boys elected to homecoming court in tuxedos. These students are usually nominated by the whole student body and can be your greatest sources for prom reps next spring. We offer the senior court any instock rentable item to wear for coronation and the parade if applicable. Watching each of these boys try to out do the other is always fun. Establishing a great rapport with these students, again only sets it in their minds where to go to “look good!” Following is an example of a letter to alter for your needs:

Administrative Staff:

Homecoming Committee:

I am writing on behalf of ????? Formalwear concerning your upcoming homecoming celebrations. We would like to extend an offer to have your senior king candidates stand out during the event. ????? Formalwear would like to offer free tuxedos to each of the senior boys on homecoming court!

Standing out among his piers dressed formally in a tuxedo can only increase the honor of being chosen by the student body to be a member of the court. Formal wear denotes a special occasion, and being elected to the court certainly is a memorable moment in a student’s life. Being formally dressed for the circumstance can only enhance this in his mind and in pictures for years to come!

The senior king candidates may choose any in stock rental tuxedo of their choice at no charge. The rental includes vest, tie and shoes of choice. Any retail items would need to be purchased (hats, canes etc.) Any high school student who is attending homecoming may rent men’s formalwear at a reduced rate. ???????

To take advantage of this offer just fax in your homecoming senior king candidate list to ????? Formal Wear and ask the guys to be fitted at least a week in advance of the event for the free rental.

????? Formal Wear fax number: ???-???-????
Contact Person:
Hours of Operation

All across the country school will be back in session shortly. Are income opportunities with the incoming new students going to pass you by? We offer a couple of suggestions you need to put into action very soon to take advantage of this market for this year!

First, long term rentals. Long term school year rentals to band and choir groups in both high school and college are already a thriving market. Many of the schools I have worked with have had in the past, band parents measuring for tuxedos and sending those measurements off to companies elsewhere. This is usually frustrating for the kids when the garment doesn’t fit properly and no one local can help. Also, kids change sizes during the year and need exchanges. Doing business locally and providing the service to back it up is always is everyone’s best interest. Utilizing your used or ready to be retired inventory, for this purpose keeps your rental inventory fresh and brings students in your door. Schools all across the nation are spending money every fall to outfit these groups. Are you collecting any of that?

To begin the process, a letter to all local band and choral directors explaining your offer needs to be sent out right away. Next, do a follow up call to the directors to offer an opportunity to answer any questions and explain the program. The directors from different schools are usually well acquainted with each other, so if you make contact with one it can be a great advantage. We always place an agreement with the schools that the tuxedos will be turned in before prom, or kept at school during this time frame or we can not proceed. I set up a time and go to the school and measure all of the boys soon after school starts. Make yourself a form for this process that the student will fill out their own name etc and you fill in the sizing info.

We sell the students the two most commonly damaged or lost items, being the shirts and bow ties. A bow tie can cost you less than a dollar and easily be sold for $5 or more. A used shirt sold for twice what you can replace it with helps again to keep your stock fresh. We rent them used notch lapel 1 or 2 button coats and rental pants. Alterations we offer consist of sleeves and pant hems.

Once assembled, we require the kids to pick up the garment in the store. Yes, space is a problem because they can drag it out over weeks but having them pick it up try it on and do any alterations while they are in the store helps alleviate problems later. We require they are paid for before they leave the store. This happily eliminates the band director from having to collect money from the kids which they love. The opportunity to have each student and his parents in your business can create loyal customers for life.

An information sheet explaining pick up, return, and sizing issue procedures helps the parents to understand. I also make sure to put on this sheet that the tuxedo is not available for use for prom, so they are forewarned. Giving pricing information ahead of time for items not returned also helps, since some of them will lose things and know what to expect to pay for these items.

In our market we rent used coat and pant for $53 sell them a used shirt for $12 a bow tie for $5 and offer to alter it for them any time during the year if they need. Most of the items come directly out of used sale and we take stock items and replace them with new if necessary. Many of the younger kids will still wear boys sizes and since we never sell boys used coats it works out well.

Secondly, group sales: College and high school groups many times prefer to purchase items. You need to do your homework on the best value for the items they are looking to purchase. I have one group who insists on 1 button peak lapel coats, I have explained to them I could be more price competitive if they switched to notch lapel but they are simply not interested. I price them accordingly and back it up with top notch service and they never complain and return every year. Many of the manufacturers offer great prices on rental wool or poly goods for this situation.

Lastly, homecoming royalty: If you do a thriving formal homecoming business in your area, this may not be for you. We send out a letter to all the local high schools offering to outfit their senior boys elected to homecoming court in tuxedos. These students are usually nominated by the whole student body and can be your greatest sources for prom reps next spring. We offer the senior court any instock rentable item to wear for coronation and the parade if applicable. Watching each of these boys try to out do the other is always fun. Establishing a great rapport with these students, again only sets it in their minds where to go to “look good!” Following is an example of a letter to alter for your needs:

Administrative Staff:

Homecoming Committee:

I am writing on behalf of ????? Formalwear concerning your upcoming homecoming celebrations. We would like to extend an offer to have your senior king candidates stand out during the event. ????? Formalwear would like to offer free tuxedos to each of the senior boys on homecoming court!

Standing out among his piers dressed formally in a tuxedo can only increase the honor of being chosen by the student body to be a member of the court. Formal wear denotes a special occasion, and being elected to the court certainly is a memorable moment in a student’s life. Being formally dressed for the circumstance can only enhance this in his mind and in pictures for years to come!

The senior king candidates may choose any in stock rental tuxedo of their choice at no charge. The rental includes vest, tie and shoes of choice. Any retail items would need to be purchased (hats, canes etc.) Any high school student who is attending homecoming may rent men’s formalwear at a reduced rate. ???????

To take advantage of this offer just fax in your homecoming senior king candidate list to ????? Formal Wear and ask the guys to be fitted at least a week in advance of the event for the free rental.

????? Formal Wear fax number: ???-???-????
Contact Person:
Hours of Operation

The International Formalwear Association wishes to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of one of our members. Jerry DeAmbrosio passed away earlier this month. His business in the Seattle WA area offered bridal, formal wear, and costumes. We wish for his family friends and co workers to know he will be greatly missed….

Raymond Gerard (Jerry) DeAMBROSIO Beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away July 11th at Virginia Mason Hospital. Jerry was born on July 31st, 1941 in Seattle, Washington to Raymond and Kathleen DeAmbrosio. He graduated from Blanchet High School and attended Gonzaga University. He became a well established businessman in Seattle and was co-owner of Brocklind's Inc. Jerry was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the International Formalwear Association.

He is survived by his mother, Kathleen; his siblings, Mary Ann Hawkinson (Dan) of Mountlake Terrace, Jim DeAmbrosio (Diane) of Shoreline, Michele DeAmbrosio-Baker (Bill) of Laguna Niguel, CA, Dan DeAmbrosio (Mary Jo) of Mission Viejo, CA. In addition he has six nieces, two nephews, a grand niece and grand nephews. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 8:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17th, BOTH at St. Catherine's Catholic Church 8610 8th Avenue NE Seattle, Washington 98115. Reception to follow. He will be interred at the Garden Mausoleum at Holy Rood Catholic Cemetery. Jerry had a strong faith and love for the people in his life. He had a caring heart that touched those around him in many ways. The love and laughter that he brought to our lives will be treasured forever. Jerry, you were one of a kind and will be truly missed. Remembrances may be made to The Francis House, 169 12th St. Seattle, WA 98122. Please sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com Hoffner Fisher & Harvey.

The International Formalwear Association wishes to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of one of our members. Jerry DeAmbrosio passed away earlier this month. His business in the Seattle WA area offered bridal, formal wear, and costumes. We wish for his family friends and co workers to know he will be greatly missed….

Raymond Gerard (Jerry) DeAMBROSIO Beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away July 11th at Virginia Mason Hospital. Jerry was born on July 31st, 1941 in Seattle, Washington to Raymond and Kathleen DeAmbrosio. He graduated from Blanchet High School and attended Gonzaga University. He became a well established businessman in Seattle and was co-owner of Brocklind's Inc. Jerry was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the International Formalwear Association.

He is survived by his mother, Kathleen; his siblings, Mary Ann Hawkinson (Dan) of Mountlake Terrace, Jim DeAmbrosio (Diane) of Shoreline, Michele DeAmbrosio-Baker (Bill) of Laguna Niguel, CA, Dan DeAmbrosio (Mary Jo) of Mission Viejo, CA. In addition he has six nieces, two nephews, a grand niece and grand nephews. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 8:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17th, BOTH at St. Catherine's Catholic Church 8610 8th Avenue NE Seattle, Washington 98115. Reception to follow. He will be interred at the Garden Mausoleum at Holy Rood Catholic Cemetery. Jerry had a strong faith and love for the people in his life. He had a caring heart that touched those around him in many ways. The love and laughter that he brought to our lives will be treasured forever. Jerry, you were one of a kind and will be truly missed. Remembrances may be made to The Francis House, 169 12th St. Seattle, WA 98122. Please sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com Hoffner Fisher & Harvey.

Paul Alioto, our former Midwest salesman, has decided for personal reasons to leave After Six and return to American Commodore (Cleveland, Ohio) as the Director of Operations. Although we are disappointed to lose Paul, we are excited for him to take on a great position with a great company. He will be missed. Every one at After Six wishes Paul the best in his new endeavor.

It is our goal to ensure you, our valued customers, are properly serviced throughout this transition period.

Accordingly, Stuart Feinberg is returning to his Northeast Territory, as well as remaining Manager of closeouts and Special Markets.

Jerry Mashman, formerly the Eastern US representative for CSS Chaplin, will assume the Midwest Territory from Paul Alioto rather than the previously announced Northeast Territory.

Ed Murphy will continue to represent the Southeast, including Florida.

Nick Cindea will contine to represent the West.

Pedro Bonilla / Jack Semanaz will continure to represent After Six in Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands.

Bobby Lucarelli remains our Key Accounts Sales Manager.

Lenny Bloom remains the Salesman of International Accounts.

Thank you for understanding as we at After Six strive to service you stronger and better.

Paul Alioto, our former Midwest salesman, has decided for personal reasons to leave After Six and return to American Commodore (Cleveland, Ohio) as the Director of Operations. Although we are disappointed to lose Paul, we are excited for him to take on a great position with a great company. He will be missed. Every one at After Six wishes Paul the best in his new endeavor.

It is our goal to ensure you, our valued customers, are properly serviced throughout this transition period.

Accordingly, Stuart Feinberg is returning to his Northeast Territory, as well as remaining Manager of closeouts and Special Markets.

Jerry Mashman, formerly the Eastern US representative for CSS Chaplin, will assume the Midwest Territory from Paul Alioto rather than the previously announced Northeast Territory.

Ed Murphy will continue to represent the Southeast, including Florida.

Nick Cindea will contine to represent the West.

Pedro Bonilla / Jack Semanaz will continure to represent After Six in Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands.

Bobby Lucarelli remains our Key Accounts Sales Manager.

Lenny Bloom remains the Salesman of International Accounts.

Thank you for understanding as we at After Six strive to service you stronger and better.

Janet and Jerry Kline are operators of a great instock store in the San Diego area and very proudly are the recipients of a prestigious People’s Choice Award voted on by the customers that they serve. We at the International Formalwear Association congratulate them on once again receiving this important recognition of a job well done!

2009 People’s Choice Award Winners:
Congratulations once again on being chosen as an award recipient in the 2009 www.Bridalinsider.com People’s Choice Awards for San Diego Wedding Vendors. Your business listing at www.Bridalinsider.com has been updated with the People’s Choice Award Winner icon for 2009. Thank you again for the great service that you provide San Diego Brides and Grooms.

Best San Diego Wedding Vendor for Tuxedos
1st Place : A Better Deal Tuxedos
2nd Place : The Men's Wearhouse
3rd Place : Friar Tux

Lori Foote
General Manager
www.Bridalinsider.com

www.bridalinsider.com
Phone: 888-256-9032
Fax: 619-599-1660
www.Twitter.com/Bridalinsider

Janet and Jerry Kline are operators of a great instock store in the San Diego area and very proudly are the recipients of a prestigious People’s Choice Award voted on by the customers that they serve. We at the International Formalwear Association congratulate them on once again receiving this important recognition of a job well done!

2009 People’s Choice Award Winners:
Congratulations once again on being chosen as an award recipient in the 2009 www.Bridalinsider.com People’s Choice Awards for San Diego Wedding Vendors. Your business listing at www.Bridalinsider.com has been updated with the People’s Choice Award Winner icon for 2009. Thank you again for the great service that you provide San Diego Brides and Grooms.

Best San Diego Wedding Vendor for Tuxedos
1st Place : A Better Deal Tuxedos
2nd Place : The Men's Wearhouse
3rd Place : Friar Tux

Lori Foote
General Manager
www.Bridalinsider.com

www.bridalinsider.com
Phone: 888-256-9032
Fax: 619-599-1660
www.Twitter.com/Bridalinsider

Paul Morrell Formalwear of Little Rock, Arkansas is seeking to purchase the following items:

Coats:
Slightly Damaged, Worn, Old and New Merchandise in Tailcoats (of all colors), Cutaways, and Basic Coat models of Black, White and Ivory.
(Framed Edge and Regular Full Satin in Peak, Notch, Shawl and Fashion Styling are all fine).
We also need additional Black Santa Cruz 10 Button Coats from FCGI.

Trousers:
Non-Pleated, Single, Double and Triple Pleated wool Trousers including Flexo and any other waist models in Black, White and Ivory.

Accessories:
Backless and Fullback Vests in Black, White, Red and many colors.

We are interested in the merchandise you no longer rent and would like to have out of your backroom or warehouse.  This is a great way to create cash and clean out needed space for New Inventory instead of throwing or giving it away. Very Low Prices Offered on Bulk Buys.

We Pay Ground Shipping.

Please contact:

Justin or Michael at Paul Morrell…
info@paulmorrell.com
501.374.8256
800.643.8345
fax: 501.374.7564

120 S. Victory
Little Rock, AR 72201

Offered For Sale:
Calvin Klein 2-button black and 3-button made by FCGI several years ago. They
can be rented and sold. There are about 75 of each model, a full range. Coat & pants @ $7.50 each.

Ira Coleman
Colemans Tuxedos
649 Morris Twp
Springfield NJ 07081
1-973-568-5238
iratux@aol.com

Paul Morrell Formalwear of Little Rock, Arkansas is seeking to purchase the following items:

Coats:
Slightly Damaged, Worn, Old and New Merchandise in Tailcoats (of all colors), Cutaways, and Basic Coat models of Black, White and Ivory.
(Framed Edge and Regular Full Satin in Peak, Notch, Shawl and Fashion Styling are all fine).
We also need additional Black Santa Cruz 10 Button Coats from FCGI.

Trousers:
Non-Pleated, Single, Double and Triple Pleated wool Trousers including Flexo and any other waist models in Black, White and Ivory.

Accessories:
Backless and Fullback Vests in Black, White, Red and many colors.

We are interested in the merchandise you no longer rent and would like to have out of your backroom or warehouse.  This is a great way to create cash and clean out needed space for New Inventory instead of throwing or giving it away. Very Low Prices Offered on Bulk Buys.

We Pay Ground Shipping.

Please contact:

Justin or Michael at Paul Morrell…
info@paulmorrell.com
501.374.8256
800.643.8345
fax: 501.374.7564

120 S. Victory
Little Rock, AR 72201

Offered For Sale:
Calvin Klein 2-button black and 3-button made by FCGI several years ago. They
can be rented and sold. There are about 75 of each model, a full range. Coat & pants @ $7.50 each.

Ira Coleman
Colemans Tuxedos
649 Morris Twp
Springfield NJ 07081
1-973-568-5238
iratux@aol.com

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.” ~Andre Gide~

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” ~Author Unknown~

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.” ~Andre Gide~

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” ~Author Unknown~

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.