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Corporate Edge Org (CEO) Small Business Consultants in Boston HOME | Contact | About us | Special Projects | Business Writing | Food Writing SHOP TALK Business Class by Kitty Kaufman Sole Proprietor: George Davis Shoes If you're not on Beacon Hill or downtown, there are no suits. There are jeans, khakis, chinos, shoes with platforms and no backs, shirts that have never met a belt, and cargo pants with pockets enough for lunch and a laptop. And you may be thinking that suits and are over. Well, they're not. I was in the financial district last week to meet the owners of the new George Davis Shoes on Federal Street and they assure me suits are alive and well. Suits and ties and most important, fine leather shoes are going strong. Bill Dunlop, new president, has been with the company for 24 years, and he confirmed my observation. "Everyone is starting to dress up notably in the last six months," Dunlop said. The inventory ($90-$450) reflects his positive outlook: lace up wing tips, dress oxfords, dress tassel moccasins, keltie wing tip tassels, full strap slip-ons, long wing tassels, flex welts, penny loafers, and an array of all weather shoes from Alden. "We're bringing world-famous New England craftsmanship to the store," said chairman and owner Allen Wolozin. "We are geared to the business professional who wants the look and feel of success." What Wolozin and Dunlop provide in service makes shopping at George Davis, well, a walk in the park. If they don't have your size, they gladly special order and ship, at no charge. "Careful fitting and service is the foundation of our business," Wolozin said. Wolozin opened George Davis in 1957. If you're still not sure about what is and isn't corporate casual, Dunlop will set you straight in black, brown, and tan oxfords with crepe and rubber soles. He's also got a shelf of dark brown suede Alden tassels, slip-ons, and lace ups that make me wish my feet were a whole lot bigger. Along with a full line of Alden, they carry Ecco, Sebago, Rockport, H. S. Trask, Bostonian, Polo/Ralph Lauren, and Johnston & Murphy. With an eye to his customers who are short on time, Wolozin stocks Alden belts ($85-$205) in leather and suede. You'll find cushioned inner soles, laces, polishes, creams, and waxes. His line of Byford hosiery from England includes a range of colors and styles. If you do nothing else to keep your shoes in shape, Wolozin suggests cedar shoe trees. "They absorb moisture. They leave a nice aroma of cedar." "And," Dunlop added, "they eliminate wrinkles overnight; which we all wish we could do." Ask about the Alden restoration program. They ship your shoes back to the factory for repairs to soles, uppers, heels, and stitching. © July 2, 2005 for The City Shopper 40 St. Paul St | Brookline MA 02446 | 617. 388. 0062 Kitty Kaufman kkaufman@corp-edge.com |