Boyds, an iconic Philadelphia Clothier, and the newest British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia Club Level member, offers the best designer fashion, shoes and accessories for men and women, with impeccable service. The founder of Boyds Philadelphia, Alec Gushner, emigrated from Russia in 1936. He opened his first store, selling “big & tall” men’s suits and sport coats more than 70 years ago in the heart of Philadelphia’s flourishing clothing retail sector on 5th and Market Streets. At the time, the majority of Philadelphia’s social elite would be spotted almost nightly at the Boyds Theater across town. Ever savvy Gushner strategically positioned his business to be associated with the upscale clientele of the famed venue, naming it “Boyds Philadelphia.” In the 1990s, the store moved uptown to the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, one of the most exclusive parts of Center City, Philadelphia. Seasoned international business executives and new to the professional scene hipsters alike can find something original for the season, update a wardrobe, or obtain the perfect outfit for that special occasion, all under one beautiful roof.
The next generation grew the business from men’s “big & tall” suits and sport coats to include all tailored clothing. Over the years as business casual began to be introduced into the work place Boyds offered men’s and women’s sportswear. Currently owned and operated by third and fourth generation family members, Boyds has grown and evolved, but remains true to founding ideals. “There are no demographic breakdowns and no shareholders to answer to. Our customers are not points on a graph. We have one store, the same one that has been owned and operated by the same family. And when you know customers by their names and individual tastes, demographics just seem silly.”
Alex Gushner, the fourth generation family member in the business recently moved back to Philadelphia to assume his role at Boyds. Alex grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia. He attended The Haverford School, and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). During junior year Alex studied abroad in London, and interned at the Royal Bank of Scotland for its Loan Syndicate Group. It was during his time in London and tenure with the Bank when Alex truly connected with Britain. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics Alex moved to New York City and worked in Wholesale Sales at Ermenegildo Zegna. This past summer, Alex joined his family’s business in Philadelphia, where he works for his father and his two uncles, all of whom are Boyds partners. Alex is an Assistant Buyer of men’s tailored clothing and he brings to Boyds a particular focus on made-to-measure (custom) clothing. Alex believes, “partnering with the British American Business Council is simple evolution for a long-standing icon like Boyds — which carries UK brands, including: Belstaff, Paul Smith, Sanders and Chuches.”
Boyds is regarded as one of the world’s greatest clothing stores. The family continues to place emphasis on international networking and cultivating cross-cultural opportunites for style savvy shoppers and executives. In the age of mass merchandising, when so many retail stores look the same, Boyds prides itself on providing customers with exclusive merchandise. They offer one of the country’s largest selections of fine men’s and women’s designer fashions. After all, such quality is what their customers have come to expect – from the $2.25 sport shirts of the 1940s, to the leisure suits of the 1970s, to the luxurious fabrications and designers of today. Part of Boyds’ commitment also includes a policy of extraordinary customer service. Free custom alterations, fashion coordinators, and free valet parking are part of the Store’s ripe tradition. Boyds treats customers as individuals. That’s not typical, but neither is Boyds.
With more than 40 on-site European tailors – Boyds boasts the largest custom tailor shop in the country. The Store will customize the fit of anything from denim and sport shirts to suits and dresses. Boyds offers designer collections; men’s and women’s apparel; contemporary fashions; handbags; and shoes, from top fashion houses including: Isabel Mirant, Alexander McQueen, Giambatista Valli, Mugler, Brioni, Canali, Brunello Cucinelli, Zengna, and more. Need fancy footwear? You’ll find top shoe designers like Gianvitto Rossi, Alexander Wang, Aquazurra, Monolo Blahnik, Ferragamo, Tods, Gucci, and more.
Boyds occupies five floors of the old Oliver Bair funeral parlor, a magnificent building located at 18th and Chestnut Streets. The recently opened Boyds Custom Shirt Shop is better than ever. Visit Boyds’ new Custom Shirt Shop and experience the perfect shirt. From dress shirts to sport shirts to formal shirts, experience feeling the fabrics of your choice and selecting the colors and patterns you desire. Then one of our master tailors will take your precise measurements. Collars to cuffs, it’s your call! Designers include: Hamilton, Individualized Shirts, Ermenegildo Zegna, Eton, and Isaia. Visit Boyds. You will be impressed, not only by the beauty of the store and the merchandise they carry but by the impeccable service and welcoming environment.
The Store hosts fashion and trunk shows and exclusive shopping events throughout the year. Boyds is an avid supporter of local charities. Join the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 for the Fashion Forward Executive Apparel Fundraiser & Networking Event. Spend an evening enhancing valuable business connections and shopping for global designer apparel, shoes and bags. All attendees will receive a special discount and a percentage of revenue will be donated to The Ronald McDonald House. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. Proceeds from this event will go towards families who are traveling from outside of the United States for treatment.
Click here to learn more about Boyds and for a complete listing of services.
