/The dressiest new sequined Uggs
December 30, 2011
by Rob Greenstein
I paid a visit to Squires Family Clothing and Footwear—one of downtown Chappaqua’s longest-standing shops—to speak to its owner, Michael Kushner.
You’ve been in business since 1949. That makes Squires the oldest member of the business district. What’s the secret of your success?
We carry a complete line of quality, hard-to-find items for men, women, and children. Whether you need clothes for school, camp, sports or work, we offer head-to-toe outfitting and footwear for the entire family. We are incredibly well stocked despite our size. We have terrific sales associates willing and able to assist. Our experienced staff have been with us for an average of 10 years! Our shoe fitters are professionally trained—two with over 25 years experience - to ensure good advice and proper fit. We believe this builds continuity and customer loyalty.
I know you sponsor a New Castle softball team, are you involved in any other community activities?
We sponsor a little league team every year. We also donate a great deal of clothing and shoes twice per year to the First Congregational Church for its semi-annual Barn Sale—the big one in May, and a second one in autumn. From my understanding, we are usually their largest contributor. We have been donating to the Barn Sale since 1988. After our first major flood back in 1999, many members of the First Congregational Church came down to the store—unsolicited—to help bail out and clean up. It was the kindest and most helpful gesture. After 09/11, we reciprocated by donating hundreds of flannel shirts and thousands of socks to rescue personnel on the front line.
What makes your store different than a chain like Nordstrom?
We’re different from Nordstrom because we cater to the needs of customers year round. We are fully stocked for the ski season for the entire family…...jackets, gloves, hats, socks, base layers (thermals) after-ski boots. We just took in 200 pair of SOREL boots. We stock winter/ski clothing and accessories until the middle of March. While most stores are focused on forcing the season (Spring) by loading their sales floor with spring merchandise, which we do carry year round, we try to have in stock what our customers want…..when they want it….even if that means we have more than what we need. We have always survived difficult times by doing it our way…..which means truly accommodating the needs of our customers. We very rarely have to say…“sorry we ran out”. Not sure if this philosophy is the best for the bottom line, but it does keep customers coming back. Just in case potential customers are unaware, we do carry all seasons year-round. If people are looking for a bathing suit in December for a vacation…..no problem. Looking for a fall/winter fleece for a summer hiking trip in higher elevations? No problem.We don’t have regional buyers, like Nordstrom. We personally sell on our sales floors. We know our customers. We know the brands and items that our customers want.
What’s your most significant change over the past 62 years?
We’re always changing our mix of brands and styles, but our most significant change was the addition of a complete women’s department. Our name used to be Squires Men’s and Boys’ wear. We changed our name to Squires Family Clothing and Footwear in 1996 when we opened our second location in Katonah. And, of course, we added our web site www.squiresny.com. The one thing that has not changed is that New Castle has remained a family-oriented community emphasizing education.
Has business improved now that the bridge and parking lot construction has been completed?
Now that the bridge and parking lot is complete it’s time to get back to a “better normal.” This community deserves these upgrades and now people can shop without concern of delay or chaos. For the last three and a half years the merchants and residents have been struggling with the obvious issues associated with major construction. The effect of the two being completed will be substantial, I think.
What surprises your customers the most?
I think most surprising to new customers is the one-stop shopping experience we provide. We are truly a one-stop answer for clothing, footwear and accessories for every member of the family. We also do FREE ALTERATIONS which surprises many since it’s very unusual in the women’s market. The most surprising item we carry is definitely Christopher Blue, a women’s jean line. Christopher Blue has the best business model we’ve seen for women’s jeans. They offer 4 rises to truly fit any customer that walks in the door. Their fit is amazing. Their jeans are stretch which makes them extremely comfortable. We have had more “come backs” for this brand than any other. We also carry Christopher Blue twills, cords, shorts, capris, and tops, all excellent quality, consistency, and great up-to-date styling.
I know you also have a store in Katonah, anything New Castle can learn from Katonah?
Katonah is a wonderful town. They have a great mix of shops and excellent pedestrian walkways. I believe that our mix of stores has deteriorated over the last ten years, but things are starting to change for the better. The only thing that absolutely should be done is to make the walkways as safe as possible and conducive to shopping. We have had far to many close calls, and a tragic car accident at Greeley and King. I believe that with all of the kids running around on a Friday afternoon after school, we are asking for trouble by not supplying a safe downtown.
Any special post-holiday discounts for NewCastleNOW reader who mention this article?
Yes! Through January 31. 2012, we’ll give customers a free waterproof spray with the purchase of any Ugg boot.
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