YOUNGSTOWN -- Good timing and a desire to start a successful business venture led Larry and Phyllis
YOUNGSTOWN -- Good timing and a desire to start a successful business venture led Larry and Phyllis Silver to open Silver's Vogue Shop.
When they were looking for a business to buy about 30 years ago, The Vogue Shop was for sale after the retirement of the previous owner, who opened the store across from its current location in the 1950s.
The economy was strong, and downtown was bustling with shoppers. Traffic flowed freely through Federal Plaza, so many people drove or took public transportation to shop at the Silver family's business.
"There was no shortage of people," said the Silver's son, Barry. "There was a bus stop at our door when we were across the street."
Phyllis Silver worked as a bookkeeper, clerk and saleswoman until shortly before her death in November 1996.
Began working
Barry Silver began working at his parents' business when he was a sophomore in high school. A few years later, he found himself dividing his time between taking business classes at Youngstown State University and working at the store.
However, many of the area's steel mills began closing in the late 1970s, taking away a large portion of the business the Silvers did. The family adjusted its buying and selling practices to fit the hard economic times they faced, and in 1978, the Silvers moved into their current location, the site of the former Kelly & amp; Cohen department store.
Despite the loss of many shoppers and part of Federal Plaza being closed to vehicular traffic, the Silvers expanded their merchandise line, which now includes numerous men's suits, hats, shoes, pants, sweaters and garters, as well as walking canes. They also offer free alterations to items bought at their store and have a tailor shop that does same-day service.
Still helps out
Larry Silver spent close to 20 years selling insurance before deciding to stop traveling and sell clothing. He retired about 10 years ago but still enjoys helping out at the store.
Barry Silver said that he and his father plan to keep Silver's Vogue Shop downtown. The store has remained successful, despite the shift of retailing out of downtown.
"We have a great following and loyal customers. We treat people fairly, and in return they keep coming back. A lot of professional people come in and support me, and we update our wardrobes," he said.
"We take the business day by day," Larry Silver added. "We're going to be here."