Shop Talk: David Perlis

HOW DID PERLIS START?

My grandmother convinced my grandfather to start the business with the promise to marry him if he did. That was in 1939, and he worked seven days a week in the early years. My father and I both joined the business while in our 20s.

RETAIL FACES SO MANY CHALLENGES, YET YOU CONTINUE TO THRIVE. WHAT'S YOUR SECRET?

I believe it’s a number of things. First off, people talk about customer service; but we aren’t talking about customer service for one purchase, we’re talking about it for a lifetime. We genuinely care about our customers and want to be a lifelong partner helping them to create their style, build their closets and meet their lifestyles’ needs. Our alteration service is also key; we can turn things around quickly, but we also ensure that all our customers feel good and enjoy a proper fit. We also have a unique relationship with our staff; they definitely feel like a family. Many of our employees have been with us a long time and we enjoy lots of different personalities in the store.  Don’t forget we’re a true family business where each generation has been hands-on in every way.

HOW DO YOU PICK YOUR MERCHANDISE?

We sell high quality, well-made clothes from the best brands in the world that will stand the test of time.

WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE ITEMS IN STORE?

Obviously our Crawfish logo is special and we’re excited to introduce an improved shirt, with added stretch in the fabric, this July. Faherty and Johnnie-O are new men’s brands and we’ll launch Samuelsohn this fall. For ladies, I really like Velvet, Ecru and Shoshanna.


Perlis

(800) 725-6070, Perlis.com

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