Franco's Fine Clothier is selling off its inventory of women's clothing as it reverts to men's-only apparel.
Founded in 1972, the company, which began selling women's apparel in 1980, said it decided to exit that part of the business because of increased competition and a desire to expand its menswear offerings.
The retailer has opened a second, temporary location at Short Pump Town Center to sell the women's apparel. Inventory at the 5321 Lakeside Ave. store will be sold at the store in the beginning.
Mark Ambrogi, son of the company's founder and manager of the Short Pump stores, said that once inventory has dwindled, it will be combined in one of the stores, likely the one with the better sales.
At the main Short Pump store, outerwear, sportswear and tuxedos already fill the spot once occupied by women's clothes.
While cutting out one of its lines will cost sales, Ambrogi expects to make up the difference quickly by expanding its custom clothing and big-and-tall men's offerings.
Women's clothing "was not a huge percentage of our business," he said yesterday.
Another factor played into Franco's decision to stop selling women's clothes.
Ambrogi's mother, Ruth, heads the women's line, buying the clothes and merchandise.
"She wants to retire," he said. "We searched for someone to take over, but couldn't find anyone who fit. So we decided to close down."
Contact Louis Llovio at (804) 649-6348 or LLLovio@timesdispatch.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement