Styleshack sat down with the Rose family to learn about their family retail business they have owned and operated for over 70 years!
{SS} What was the inspiration behind Willow Tree or the inception of the store?
Chelsea Menswear has been around since 1943. Owned and operated by the Rose family since its inception, 2nd Generation Gilbert Rose and his wife Arlene, and their son Peter – along with his wife Janelle are responsible for the day to day operations of both Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos and Willow Tree Fashions. It’s a true family business! Gilbert “Gib” joined the family business in 1960, joining his father, Benjamin – the founder of Chelsea.In 1960 during Chelsea’s move to a new location, the Women’s Division was born/launched in the lower level of the current Chelsea Menswear & Tuxedos store. They built quite a following and outgrew that location and moved to 3000 Biddle in 1968 and have been there ever since.
{SS} How has the Willow Tree evolved? Have you seen certain styles come back throughout the history of the store?
Willow Tree continues to evolve and always will. Trends change – and we follow them. We shop the market and do our homework. We are hard workers – and hear it all the time when we’re at market. We arrive first thing in the morning and stay until the shows close each night. We don’t miss a day. We have a New York buying office that also keeps us informed and in the mix. We also listen to what our customers want and make sure we have it. Of course, being in business for 46 years – you do see things come and go – and come back again in a more updated way. That’s how this business works!
{SS} Favorite part of your job?
We have the most incredible customers. We know so many of them personally. We know what they like so when we see something come in that we know they’d like, we call them! They LOVE that! We provide that personal service that is not common. We cater to our customers. We are their fashion consultants and personal shoppers. We love helping them “play dress up” and really get pleasure helping them choose things that make them look fabulous. We dress them head to toe! They appreciate it and THEY make our jobs so much fun! Putting together the perfect look for each individual customer is a great way to spend our days!
{SS} Any new items in the store that you are loving for SPRING/SUMMER?
We can’t keep scarves in the store. It’s such a HOT accessory right now. American Flags, solids, prints, chiffon, silk, cotton, woven, knit. They’re all flying out. They add instant personality to a pair of jeans and t-shirt OR a suit! We are also loving maxi dresses, the perfect summer dress.
Stripes and Stars Tommy Bahama Maxi
$19.00 $112
{SS} Currently, do you have a favorite style or trend you are selling?
The “Koochie Kover” is a wardrobe item that each and every woman should have at least one of. It’s a must have piece that allows you to wear leggings in a whole new way. It’s an item that must be demonstrated in the store. It’s versatile. It can be worn alone or as an underpinning. It can be worn long, short, scrunched or taut. It gives new life to blouses, sweaters and knit tops and is available in a variety of colors to coordinate with any wardrobe piece.{SS} Favorite "local" restaurant?Magdaleno Italian Restaurant, Smokies and Portofino are all GREAT restaurants in our area. Magdaleno is right out the back door of the store and has a world class menu, great wine list and fantastic ambience. Smokies Tavern and restaurant is just north of Downtown and has unique menu items including a seafood catch of the day, ribs, prime rib, etc. They’ve got great personal service in a nice hometown atmosphere. Portofino on the River is right on the water and a wonderful fine dining experience. Wyandotte is a hidden gem with so many wonderful placed to dine, shop and play!
{SS} Favorite Fashion App or Social Media Site?
Being 50+ it’s hard to choose a favorite social media sight. They’re all so amazing and IMMEDIATE. I love Facebook because we can showcase photos of our fabulous apparel and accessories. I am quickly becoming a fan of Instagram – because it’s INSTANT and visual.
{SS} Words to live by?
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” —Ralph Lauren
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It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together." Alexander McQueen
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