FROM OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE: MILESTONES-170 YEARS! LEVY’S INC, NASHVILLE, TN

The entire MR team proudly presents our November 2024 issue. If you haven’t received a hard copy, please page through our digital version, and we’ll continue to post individual stories here on  MR-mag.com. If you haven’t been getting MR in print, be sure that you are on our mailing list for future issues by completing  this form.

MR RETAIL MILESTONES

It’s been said that new businesses take two to three years to be profitable, with the average lifespan of a modern company ranging from 15 to 20 years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years, 45% at five years, and 65% at 10.
We dedicate this issue to those pioneering souls who have kept their doors open through recessions, depressions, epidemics, online shopping, and embarrassing fashion cycles. To those with a genuine passion for fine clothing and a vision to distinguish your stores from the ordinary, we salute you and thank you for sharing your success secrets.

Founded 1855 by Zadoc Levy, now run by David and Ellen Levy, 13 employees “Committed to You and Your Image”

Mission: To build on almost 170 years of integrity and quality craftsmanship, we continue to honor our founder’s vision by delivering excellence and innovation for future generations. We are committed to sustaining a legacy of trust, quality, and forward-thinking solutions. Our core values: Commitment, Community, Integrity, Positive Relationships. What is most unique/special about your store? Reaching this milestone of 170 years, while offering the most progressive collections of timeless style to the everchanging population of Nashville, is a privilege we do not take for granted. Family-owned and run by the fifth generation, we represent generations of tailoring and fashion expertise, modern trends and fresh ideas, and a deep commitment to our community.
Product mix: 50 percent Tailored, 36 percent Sportswear and Furnish- ings, 14 percent Women’s

How’s business? Business continues to be surprisingly good, with men’s clothing leading the way. We have not seen a pre-election dip in sales. With our 2024 business growth, our booming community, exciting new collections, upward trends in our women’s business, and the excitement surrounding our approaching 170th anniversary, we are projecting continued positive results in 2025.
Best-selling items/brands: Made to measure continues to grow along with Italian and European brands such as Canali, Castangia, Eton, Teleria Zed, Eleventy, Gran Sasso, and Bugatchi. Knitwear is performing well and we expect that trend to continue. Our clients are responding to, and appreciating, the distinctive quality of Brioni, our newest luxury collection.
Top five brands in terms of sales volume: Canali, Castangia, Eton, Joshua Trent (private label) and Jack Victor
Best part of the job: The best part is the relationships we’ve nurtured with clients and their families while assisting with wardrobes for weddings, job interviews, presentations, and other special life moments. We also treasure our relationships with vendors and their families as they help grow our business and expand our successes.
Worst part of the job? The worst part is when circumstances are outside of our control, such as manufacturing errors leading to poor vendor performance, slow shipping, etc. Fortunately, we rarely have a client who doesn’t acknowledge and appreciate our determination and drive to overcome any problems as an entire team. This often involves our tailors, sales associates, receiving, and of course David and Ellen.
Biggest mistake you’ve made and what you learned? When a family member retired in 1998 and David became CEO, we assumed that our long-time sales associates would change habits to be more successful and increase their income. We learned that the habits of long-time sales associates are deeply engrained, making it extremely unlikely that they will embrace change.
Changes ahead: With our growing assortment of made-to-measure single cut fabrics, the entire clothing area of the store is undergoing a facelift. We’ve removed the cases from a windowed area and frequently update that space to showcase new arrivals in either men’s or women’s sportswear. We anticipate upgrading our computer point-of-sale system in early 2025, which will reduce the need for our large cash wrap area. This space will then be used to showcase impulse items and new collections.