The Hat Guys Honored as "Hat Retailer of the Year"
(ContentDesk) April 24, 2006 -- The Hat Guys, an Oakland, Calif. fixture since 1988 featuring the largest inventory on the West Coast, was honored in March with the prestigious Headwear Association of Americas Hat Retailer of the Year award at the 98th annual gathering of the organization at Tavern on the Green in New York City.The companys partners, Corrie Oranje and Rusty Watson, took special pride in receiving recognition for their long-time industry contributions, which date back to 1985 when Oranje began work with Stetson Hat Company. The partners gained national and international fame for not only creating a brisk retail headwear business from the ground up with more than 20,000 hats and caps for men, women and children equaling $1,000,000 in inventory but also their custom-designed hats worn in theater, ballet and opera performances, and in such popular movies as Titanic, Absolute Power and Mulholland Falls. The Headwear Association seeks out a top hat retailer every year, so its about continued excellence, Oranje said. Its how people talk about you not only in your town, but across the nation. Hat stores are a small industry and everyone knows one another, so things get around quickly.
I think weve been doing things right for awhile thanks to our inventory control system and staying on top of our cash flow, and we have a terrific customer base because of it. Its amazing to me, and every once in awhile Ill go, Wow, we sold that many hats? Watson added, noting how the culture of headwear has evolved and now symbolizes individuality. Back when I was selling cars, Corrie gave me a hat, and I had a business card with my picture on it. Customers would come in to the dealership looking for That guy with the hat. They would hardly recognize me without my hat on, so it made me a lot of money. Oranje and Watson agree that fashionable headwear, particularly classics such as the fedora and collapsible top hat, are re-gaining ground lost through the years as dress-down casual became the norm. It started to pick up when the Indiana Jones movies came out, so he sort of got the headwear ball rolling again, Oranje said. The headwear business has become very trendy with the younger folks. People in the entertainment business are wearing hats, bringing them back in movies, so its really catching on again. Helping customers choose the right hat isnt as easy as it may seem, however. A lot of people come in and really dont know what to get, and thats one reason we have our merchandise out on racks, for customer accessibility, Watson said.
We guide them in their decision by asking the right questions such as what they do for a living, where they will be wearing the hat, their height and shoulder width, things like that. Both men live their professions, which helps keep them motivated. I dont go out the door without a hat on, Watson said. We always say a hat is the last thing you put on, but the first thing that gets noticed, Oranje added. It really adds character. Hats and caps range in price from $9.99 up to $1,000. For more information on The Hat Guys, call (510) 834-6868, check out their Website at www.hatguys.com or stop in at the retail store located at 1764 Broadway in downtown Oakland..
PLC Designs Takes Crocheted Hats and Scarves to a New Level by Making Affordable Holiday Gifts
(ContentDesk) October 24, 2005 -- Amid the new rage for crocheted and kitted accessories PLC Designs comes to add the flare to the trend.Freshly modern, with vibrant colors and playful details, PLC Designs newest collection of Crochet Hats and Scarves are exclusively handcrafted to make every woman, from teenagers to expectant moms, look tr?s chic. Based in New York City, PLCs head designer Raynelda Calderon, teamed up with sister Fatima to innovate in the world fashion.These two obsessive compulsive crocheters and knitters (craft lovers can relate to the syndrome) came up with a new vision for handmade craft thus giving birth to PLC Designs, a site that features the fanciest hats in accessory trend.Surprisingly, customers do not need to worry about high prices as in other handmade accessories. PLCs prices are set to make the hats available for every budget.When asked about their inspiration in designing for PLC Designs, owner Raynelda Calderon remarks, my creative process is very...
PLC Designs Takes Crocheted Hats and Scarves to a New Level by Making Affordable Holiday Gifts
Hats > PLC Designs Takes Crocheted Hats and Scarves to a New Level by Making Affordable Holiday Gifts
The Hat Guys Honored as "Hat Retailer of the Year"
(ContentDesk) April 24, 2006 -- The Hat Guys, an Oakland, Calif. fixture since 1988 featuring the largest inventory on the West Coast, was honored in March with the prestigious Headwear Association of Americas Hat Retailer of the Year award at the 98th annual gathering of the organization at Tavern on the Green in New York City.The companys partners, Corrie Oranje and Rusty Watson, took special pride in receiving recognition for their long-time industry contributions, which date back to 1985 when Oranje began work with Stetson Hat Company. The partners gained national and international fame for not only creating a brisk retail headwear business from the ground up with more than 20,000 hats and caps for men, women and children equaling $1,000,000 in inventory but also their custom-designed hats worn in theater, ballet and opera performances, and in such popular movies as Titanic, Absolute Power and Mulholland Falls. The Headwear Association seeks out a top hat retailer every year,...
The Hat Guys Honored as "Hat Retailer of the Year"
Hats > The Hat Guys Honored as "Hat Retailer of the Year"