Taking a “busman’s holiday” while on a weekend trip to New Orleans I spent some time in the store George Bass for Men. George had originally contacted me about our email marketing services a few weeks before Katrina.  I was planning to follow up with him and get him started after we returned from exhibiting at MAGIC and needless to say Katrina came and put our conversations on hold.  We connected last spring while I was working with the Threadwise group that George networks with and we are now getting his email marketing up and running.

Like most busy Specialty Retailers, it’s difficult for George to pull himself off the selling floor and spend some time talking about his marketing However, when I labeled myself a “foodie” looking for the best New Orleans could “dish out’ George came to the table…literally.  My wife Amy and I picked George up at the store on Charles Street and walked around to the corner to August.  While sharing one of the best meals that I’ve ever had, we got to know each other  and found that we had more in come in than enjoying great culinary offerings …we had teenager stores to share as well. George has four kids – and the way he tells of their birth, each born a few minutes apart – makes the memorable story of how someone found out he is the father of quadruplets- unforgettable.

We spent some time in the store where his terrific staff showed us around. Located in the lobby of a busy office building, the store is very visible from the street and the lobby. The windows are filled with displays showing the dress and casual looks that attract the upscale tenants.  The store is laid out in three rooms flowing from better tailored clothing, dressy casual sportswear, and active sportswear.  There seems to be an emphasis on updated traditional fashion and nothing trendy.  Rather than go after the younger customer with the latest jean line, George has put in some items that he could entice his regular customer with that he might not expect to see at a Menswear specialty store.  He carries New Balance, as well as some very cool unique active items such as a waterproof cashmere jacket.

He is selective about what his email marketing pieces look like as well.  He is careful not to over send to his clients and when he sends something out he wants it to meaningful.  Here’s one he sent for his recent trunk show for Edward Green Shoes.