62 Years and Counting

Today marks 62 years since Dave's New York first opened its doors. Our grandfather Dave started the business as an Army & Navy store in 1963 selling new and second-hand military goods. Like many stores of the day, business was based on finding good products and selling them at a value to the consumer.
In the area where the store was situated (6th Ave 26/27th Street), there were clothing factories, flower shops, maintenance and machine shops, and in general, it was a very industrial area. The people who worked in these businesses all needed work clothes that were durable and inexpensive. The quality of military-grade gear was exceptional. Grandpa Davey would also find polyester twill pants, nylon socks, cotton tees, and poly/cotton twill work shirts to supply these workers with the uniforms of the day. At this time everyone wore a button-down shirt to work, regardless of industry. Dave would come home with a line across the middle of his shirt from where he used to hold the clothing boxes against his body. Our grandma would always chastise him for getting his shirt dirty, but that is just the way he worked day-in and day-out.

As our father Bob joined the business in 1969, the rise of denim took over and we stocked brands such as Lee and Maverick (Wrangler)...and eventually Levi's too. The audience was still a consumer who appreciated value and service. So while the materials changed, the outlook didn't.

Through the blue-gold rush of the 70s and 80s, there was a rise of heavier-duty industry in the NYC area. Through the 80s these construction workers needed steel toe boots, canvas work pants, and outerwear. This gave rise to brands in our store like Red Wing and Carhartt. Like anyone who valued their time and effort, they also looked for quality clothing at a fair value.

With the rise of skate culture in the 90s, along with a budding coffee shop/restaurant industry, we saw an increased interest in wearing twill work pants. This gave rise to offering Dickies in our store. The poly/cotton twill was durable, stain resistant, and was an exceptional value. As my brothers and I started working in the mid-90s, we saw a trend in younger, more fashion-forward customers wearing workwear as their daily outfit for the very first time. Loose fit carpenters, Caterpillar work boots, and Carhartt vests all became moments of style, not just function.

Since that time we have had a great mix of denim, canvas, and twill workwear. And while there have been changes in style trends, one factor that has always remained is value in good products. For 62 years we have operated this way, but we still have a long way to go. We have decades until we can say that we are a 100-year-old company. And while brands, materials, industries, and products may change over time, we think that the key will be to offer great value in a great product with great service. We firmly believe that if we continue to hold ourselves to this standard, then we can continue to serve a customer base that has supported us for over six decades. The value that you give will be returned to you with value over time.

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey; as a customer, team member or friend in the neighborhood, we truly appreciate it.

Adam
Dave's New York