ENSON’S IN NEW HAVEN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

A mainstay of the Yale community in New Haven, Ct., Enson’s has based its longevity on close relationships with its customers and a nice mix of traditional tailored clothing, cool modern sportswear brands, and interesting impulse accessories. A stone’s throw from the storied halls and beautiful campus of Yale University, (quiet on the day of my visit, following pro-Palestinian protests resulting in dozens of student arrests the day before), this cozy men’s store on Chapel Street welcomes a broad mix of upscale customers, from Yale professors and sports celebrities (Chris Berman), to opera singers, doctors and lawyers.

Jim Civitello bought the store in 1986 from its original owners (ribbon cutting shown at top). “Samuel Enson arrived here from Russia in 1917 and opened Sam’s Army-Navy store in 1924. The store moved to this location when I-95 was built, about 60 years ago. I bought the store from the Enson family in 1986; I’d worked in this store (and others) previously, doing most of the buying. I got a call from Mr. Enson when he realized his sons weren’t interested in running a store.”

Jim’s son Nick, living in NYC and managing a group of restaurants, arrived on the scene to help his dad during Covid. As Jim recalls, “Nick was living in the city but would come up to New Haven to help out. Although the state had shut us down, we came in every day, receiving and sending out packages and selling gift cards at 20 percent off. Our regular customers supported us, so we made it through…”

Enson’s merchandise mix is largely tailored clothing, with suits (Coppley, Jack Victor, Barocci, Hart Schaffner Marx, TailoRed, Etro), sport coats, dress shirts (Eton, David Donahue), and dress slacks (Ballin) well represented. Made-to-measure is an important component, keeping Nick (their talented tailor for about two decades, originally from Greece) very busy. (Although he hardly looks his age, Nick has been expertly tailoring for 60 years!)

Sportswear brands include Faherty, Peter Millar, Tommy Bahama, Alan Paine, Greyson, and 34 Heritage. Footwear is mostly Johnson & Murphy, SWIMS and Martin Dingman; neckwear features Eton, David Donahue, Dion and Bob Goodman; socks are Marcoliani and Dapper Classics. Questioned about supporting brands whose main focus is now direct-to-consumer, Jim is thoughtful. “We make it work until it doesn’t; then, we’re on to the next thing. Sometimes, we’re able to negotiate for lower minimums. But bottom line, we like selling these brands for both the name recognition and the on-trend product.”

Admiring the colorful artwork on all walls, I was surprised to learn that Jim himself is the artist. “Painting is my hobby in the winter months when I’m not out playing golf. If a customer admires a particular painting, I give it to him…”

I ask Nick what he’s learned from his dad. “How to dress, how to mix colors and patterns, and how to sell in a way that’s not push-y. The sale should reflect your desire to be of service, to create something special for that particular customer.”

As for what Jim has learned from his son, he responds without hesitation. “In addition to all things digital, Nick has given me more patience and peace of mind than I’ve ever had. I rely on him a great deal now, which takes a heavy weight off my shoulders.”

With some nice contributions from key vendors, Enson’s is giving away a men’s fashion item each month during this, their 100th year. Congrats to two very special shopkeepers!