NEW MEN’S STORE
Britches of Troy celebrates opening during ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon
TROY, N.Y. » Marcus Golston, owner of the successful women’s store Marcus Blaque, is bringing quality fashion, attention to detail and personalized customer service to a new men’s store located a few blocks away.
A ribbon- cutting ceremony was held Thursday afternoon for Britches of Troy, located at 216 River St. Original black and white photographs of Troy decorate the walls of the 18,000-squarefoot space, and the building’s original ceiling was carefully preserved.
Britches of Troy carries labels such as ATM, Stone Rose, Scotch and Soda, Blue Jacket, and Paul Bentley. Golston describes his new store as “a true men’s store.”
“I’ve got something for everyone,” he said on Thursday. “From contemporary brands to more traditional clothing. A lot of my sports coats are denim- and khakifriendly. It’s desk- to dinnerwear.”
Golston was presented with certificates by Mayor Patrick Madden, Rensselaer County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Cindy Doran, and Downtown Troy Business Improvement District Executive Director Katie Hammon. Everyone congratulated him and wished him success with his second storefront.
“It’s great when a new business comes to Troy, it’s better when it succeeds, and it’s really better when that business succeeds so well that you decide to do it again,” said Madden. “I’m thrilled to be at a ribboncutting for a store that I can relate to — it’s not a hair salon or a tattoo parlor. I look forward to spending money here.”
“It’s nice to fill the void,” Golston commented. “This store is needed.”
Britches of Troy is the first store of its kind to open in the Collar City, at least within modern years. There is no other menswear store in Troy.
Golston became aware of that void during the first month that Marcus Blaque was open. A male customer came running in, in need of a belt. Unable to meet that need with anything in the store, Golston gave the customer his own belt, asking only that it be returned
when he was done with it.
The belt was returned a few days later, and Golston began working on opening a men’s store.
In a funny twist of fate, a few days before the ribbon- cutting, a customer came into Britches of Troy in need of a belt. Golston’s supply of belts was not scheduled for delivery until Thursday, so once again, he helped the customer by handing him his own belt. Once again, it was returned a few days later, after the event the customer needed it for.
Golston described how grateful he was to his wife Robin and his store staff for making Britches of Troy possible. He thanked all of them for their support.
“There’s a lot going on in Troy, and it’s good to be part of it,” he said.
Robin agreed. “Marcus stated that this is really needed,” she said. “He got so much supportive commentary from the customers of his women’s store. And as the city continues to expand, there’s really going to continue to be a need for it.”
Customers at either Marcus Blaque or Britches of Troy can look forward to personalized service, quality merchandise, and a variety of brand names to choose from. They can also expect regular appearances by both Robin and Isabelle, the Golston’s pet dog.
“She’s very popular among the customers,” Robin said, as Isabelle sat close by watching.
Britches of Troy is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.