ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular retailer is expanding operations in downtown Allentown.
Assembly88, a men’s clothing, footwear and accessories store at 544 Hamilton Street, on Friday will open an adjacent women’s fashion boutique.
Collectively, both stores will be known as assembly88, and interior connections in an adjoining wall will allow customers to walk from the men’s side to the women’s side and vice versa without going outside.
Assembly88, a nine-year-old men’s clothing, footwear and accessories store at 544 Hamilton St., on Friday will open an adjacent women’s fashion boutique. Collectively, both stores will be known as assembly88, and interior connections in an adjoining wall will allow customers to walk from the men’s side to the women’s side and vice versa without going outside.
“It’s all about convenience,” owner Santo Napoli said.
“Women already shop at assembly88 for the men in their lives, and they’ve been requesting a store for themselves for years. They want the same high-quality experience – a beautiful store, great selection of brands and fantastic customer service. Many of our brands – like Patagonia and Vuori – are well-established and have very loyal followings, but they are hard to find at other stores in the area. In fact, with some of the brands that we carry, women previously had to travel as far as the King of Prussia Mall or Short Hills Mall in New Jersey to find the same brands for themselves. So, now, we can cater to everybody, make everyone happy.”
Napoli opened assembly88 in 2014 and previously operated other Hamilton Street fashion stores The Archive and New York Urban.
In opening assembly88, Napoli aimed to create a shopping destination for the mature male “who wants to look smart and confident, whether in a boardroom or at a ball game,” according to a description on the business’ website.
Assembly88, a men’s clothing, footwear and accessories store, opened in 2014 at 544 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.
The store, featuring exposed brick walls, a restored tin ceiling and the building’s original 19th century hardwood flooring, blends the “strength of the city’s manufacturing heritage with the smooth professionalism of its 21st century renaissance.”
There are also enlarged photos of Allentown’s manufacturing heyday displayed on the walls.
On the women’s side, Napoli tied in elements of the men’s store, including exposed brick walls and similar pendant lighting, while also creating a fresh, new look.
Layers of flooring, including carpeting and linoleum, were removed to reveal the space’s original maple flooring, which Napoli refinished.
“The decor is similar, but each side has its own identity,” Napoli said.
“For example, both sides have tin ceilings, but the tiles on the men’s side are a copper color, while the tiles on the women’s side are a hand-brushed white. Also, all of the wooden displays on the men’s side are brown, while all of the wood on the women’s side is white. So, we have two similar but different vibes, with the women’s side being a little lighter and more feminine.”
The women’s boutique is led by manager Ashley Gibiser, who has extensive retail and jewelry curation experience.
The roughly 1,600-square-foot store, slightly large than the men’s side, also features new displays, furniture and a check-out counter. New exterior awnings are being installed on Friday.
A focal point of the boutique is a large wall mirror that was originally housed in the former Rialto Theatre on Hamilton Street in Allentown.
“It’s definitely one of my favorite parts of the new store,” Napoli said. “We bought it at an antique place and restored it. It’s just an awesome piece of local history.”
Individuals shopping on the women’s side will find some of the same brands, including Vuori, Patagonia, Barbour, Marine Layer, Faherty, Peter Millar, On Cloud, OluKai and Vans, that are featured on the men’s side.
There will also be some new brands, including Z Supply, Lilly Pulitzer, Lacoste and Sperry.
Clothing, shoes and accessories will change with the seasons, with both sides currently featuring new fall and winter pieces, including pants, long-sleeve shirts and outerwear.
The stores primarily feature casual wear, but if staff members notice a high demand for business attire or more formal pieces, the selection may evolve, Napoli said.
“During the first 60 days, we’re going to be doing a lot of listening in terms of what customers are liking and wanting to see in the store,” Napoli said. “We’re definitely open to requests, and that’s how we operate on the men’s side as well. The men’s store has evolved to fit customers’ needs and wants because at the end of the day, we’re only successful because of the customers. So, the customers deserve to have their voices heard.”
Shoes and accessories such as hats and handbags also will be featured.
Jewelry will be introduced within the next few months, Napoli said.
Customers will be able to pay for their items at checkout counters on either side.
“You’ll be able to purchase items from both sides together at whichever counter you want,” Napoli said. “Again, we want to make the shopping experience seamless and enjoyable.”
Santo Napoli
Napoli, a member of the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and the Allentown Parking Authority Board, in January was appointed by Allentown City Council to fill the open seat left by now state Rep. Josh Siegel.
He admits that serving the public in these capacities while also operating a growing retail business has been a “juggling act,” but it’s one that he thoroughly enjoys.
“I truly love what I do,” Napoli said.
“I love volunteering and serving on boards and councils, and I also love being a business owner. I’m excited to reach the finish line with this new venture, and I’m really proud of how the new women’s side turned out overall. I think people are going to absolutely love it. The convenience of being a one-stop shop for men and women is a game changer, for sure.”
While both the men’s and women’s stores will collectively be known as “assembly 88,” the business’ existing Facebook and Instagram pages will continue to post primarily menswear-related announcements, and new social media pages – dubbed “assembly88 for her” – will focus on the women’s pieces, Napoli said.
“The reason for that is men who already follow assembly88 on social media may not want to see all of the posts with women’s items and vice versa,” Napoli said.
Assembly88’s hours for this weekend are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Starting Tuesday, the business will begin its regular hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
