Wilson's-Tip Top in Expansive Mood
ÛÏI have my fingers crossed, it takes courage,Û said retailer David Loewcn-stein yesterday, discussing plans of his firmÛÓWilsonÛªs-Tip Top, Inc. ÛÓ to open a new branch late this month in suburban Baltimore, in the midst of recession.</br></br>Loewenstein heads one of WashingtonÛªs little-known enterprises, an era dominated by chain and department stores. But his group of about 25 menswear specialty and tie stores is known in the industry for its solid sales performance and large volume in suits and sportswear from a variety of leading U.S. manufacturers.</br></br>By the time two additional stores are opened in about a year in a Charlotte, N.C.. shopping mall, the Wil-sonÛªs-Tip Top business is expected to reach $7.5-$8 million annually.</br></br>Loewenstein, who worked for S. Kann before World War It, purchased the initial Wilson store at Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th Street NW, in 1946, after completing a tour in the U.S. Navy.</br></br>Although there were no large, suburban retail centers at the time, Loewenstein said he saw right away ÛÏthat there would be a great movement in business to the suburbs.Û " stores are today ÛÓ including three shops at 7A Corners, two at Landmark, Springfield Mall, Montgomery Mall and Prince Georges Plaza, and other units from Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville to Cincinnati and Rochester, N.Y. ÛÓ all in regional shopping centers.