Around Town

Mark Gust To Retire from Family Britches after 50 Years; Store Closing June 30

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Mark Gust started working for Family Britches in January of 1972. He was 21 years old, having graduated from Chappaqua High School and with two years at Villanova University under his belt.

Gust worked at the original Family Britches in Chappaqua, N.Y. for about two years and then came to New Canaan when the company opened a store on Elm Street. On June 30, Gust will retire from his career as a buyer and store manager for the clothing shop, which will close with his retirement. “It’s exciting,” Gust told NewCanaanite.com on Tuesday from the sales floor at 99 Main St. “It’s sad.

Business

Local Business Q&A: Family Britches

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For today’s installment with a local business, we hear from Mark Gust at Family Britches on Main Street. 

Here’s our exchange. New Canaanite: Family Britches moved to Main Street about three years ago, after some 40 years on Elm. How’s the “new” location working out? Mark Gust: The new location has been great. Our customers love the space and the fact that there is parking behind the store.

Biz on Biz

Biz on Biz: Franco’s Loves Family Britches’ ‘Personal Touch’

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On a muggy Monday afternoon, I stepped into Franco’s Wine Merchants, an Elm Street mainstay that has been in operation since 1933. Franco’s specializes in fine wines, single malt scotch and other spirits. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there for a drink – instead I was there to find out their favorite New Canaan product or service for NewCanaanite.com’s “Biz on Biz” feature. 

I was greeted by refreshingly cool air, and Carl Franco’s warm smile. When asked what local business he thought deserved recognition, Franco didn’t hesitate before launching into a glowing recommendation of Family Britches, the well-established clothing store on Main Street, where he has been shopping for at least 25 years. “I’ve always liked their personal touch that they give every day when you walk in there,” Franco said.

Biz on Biz

Biz on Biz: Zumbach Likes the Canali Suits at Family Britches

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As part of the “Biz on Biz” series—where local business owners give us tips about favorite products or services at other businesses—we stopped by Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee on Pine Street. Owner Doug Zumbach’s spotlighted design solutions for “unique and different” Christmas gifts, elm for the popular restaurant’s selection of pasta dishes and Family Britches for its menswear. “Family Britches is a great store, with a nice owner, ” said Zumbach, who opened his eponymous coffee shop in 1992 and offers 30 varieties of hand-roasted brews. “I’m a big fan of Canali suits. They have a really nice line and selection of those there.