Anthony's Formal Wear Interview

When conducting an interview with a business owner, Omaha Brides usually begins by asking a question some find difficult to answer. As you continue your search for the right wedding vendors, consider asking this question yourself…the answers will help you make the best decision possible.

So with that in mind, OmahaBrides.com interviewed Joseph Miloni, co-owner of www.anthonysinomaha.com to find out if he would answer this important question with amazing dismay or provide you with an important insight into Anthony’s Formal Wear…
 
Omaha Brides: Joseph, there’s one question many owners stumble over…so here it is.  With so many formal wear stores to choose from, why should anyone choose to do business with Anthony’s Formal Wear and not one of your competitors?

Joseph: (Immediate response) Because our tuxedos fit…and here’s why.  Since all of us have unique measurements, we customize sleeve and trouser lengths for each customer, at no additional cost.

We also take time to explain a proper fit and what looks good on certain body types.  In addition, we talk about why tuxedo trousers should be worn high on the waist and not sagging.

For the larger man, there are also certain vests that look great and fit much better than other styles, so we’ll help you choose what’s right for you.  Our apparel always provides that relaxed, confident feeling you get from looking great.  

So now you know the secret to a perfect fit.  By the way, some people don’t realize that Brigid and I are trained, custom tailors. Together we have 50 years experience in pursuing the exact fit.

Now here’s a rather unusual example of what I mean.  We had a call from a foreign customer who was planning to attend a wedding here in Omaha. Since I speak his language, he sent us the required measurements in Spanish!  When he and his sons arrived in Omaha, they tried on the tuxedos…and to their total amazement, they fit perfectly!  Once again, another satisfied customer, right? (Laughter)  

Omaha Brides: OK, I have to admit that’s pretty impressive.  But do you always hit a home run when it comes to the fit?

Joseph: Unlike a chain store, we’re owner-operated.  That means we personally handle all the pulling and fitting, so we chalk the marks and effect the alterations ourselves. We make sure you’ll be good to go.

However, if we don’t chalk the marks here’s what can happen. I remember a groomsman mailed in his tuxedo measurements, and was quite surprised when he came in to try the tux on.  It seems he forgot to tell us he lost 40 pounds after sending in the measurements!  Boy did we have to work fast on that one…but it all worked out OK, and we delivered on time.  

Omaha Brides: So I guess the moral of the story is to show up for your fitting, right? (Laughter)  OK so let’s shift gears for a moment.  Tell me about your inventory…is it all in-store?

Joseph: Well, here’s what we carry in-house right now: 1,500 coats…650 pair of trousers…4,300 vests…5,500 ties…1,500 cummerbunds…2,000 shirts…and 860 pairs of shoes.  If for any reason we need additional items, we’ll special order with no additional charge to a customer.
 
Omaha Brides: Maintaining a large inventory would suggest you offer a wide selection of styles.   Do styles actually change from time to time, and if so, could you tell us what the current tuxedo trends might be?

Joseph: Yes, we do offer a wide selection of styles. Stripes, of course, have been around for years and the black tuxedo is still in-style, accounting for 95% of our rentals. Gray tuxedos are becoming more numerous, and we generally see more paisley prints coming back. Our most popular new style is what I call “The James Bond Tuxedo.” Actually it’s a shawl lapel suit that James Bond wears in his recent movies, and the young folks really like this one.   

Omaha Brides: As I mentioned earlier, there are several tuxedo stores to choose from.  What should a couple know before they begin their search for “the right” formal wear store?

Joseph: I think it’s important you get to know and like the people you will be doing business with. After you decide upon a vendor, I would also suggest you place an order at least 6 months prior to your event. 

Before you visit any vendors, do your homework and select some color options.  For example, we’ve noticed some couples have overlooked the coordination of colors between the bridal gown and the groom’s vest. Make sure your tuxedo store will help you coordinate the groom’s accessories to the chosen color schemes.

When choosing a tuxedo provider, just make sure they are not a chain store.  Alterations are usually required, so this is very important. Make sure the person placing the chalk marks is a trained tailor or seamstress, and not just a salesman. In other words, don’t trust amateurs to make your alterations…you might be disappointed. 

If you have questions about colors and color coordination…here’s what I always tell a couple.  Envision yourself 30 years from now when you pull out your wedding pictures.  Will you be pleased with what you see…or will you say…”Why did I ever choose that style and color?”  Always remember it’s the groom’s wedding also, so take time to ask questions and understand your various color and style options.
  
Omaha Brides: Is there anything else our readers should know about Anthony’s Formal Wear?

Joseph: First of all, Anthony’s is not just a tuxedo rental shop, we also sell tuxedos. I’ve mentioned our free tuxedo alterations, but as custom tailors, we also provide general clothing alterations.

If you’re looking for a large selection of wedding invitations, as well as bridesmaid and groomsman’s gifts, you can find them right here at Anthony’s. 

Our wedding couples should also be aware of this. With 5 paid tuxedo rentals, we’ll provide the groom with a free tuxedo.  Also, since we provided your tuxedos, you can order your wedding invitations from us and receive a 40% discount. 

Omaha Brides: Saving time and money is always a smart move…so do you have any final thoughts for our readers?

Joseph: Yes, I would like to take a moment and congratulate our new wedding couples.  It’s been a joy for us to serve so many over the years, and to have them come back and see us from time to time…it’s like keeping in touch with our extended family. Finally, I would like to thank Omaha Brides for today’s interview and your readers for considering Anthony’s Formal Wear.

Omaha Brides: Thanks to you also Joseph for sharing your time and thoughts. Oh, and by the way, you passed my first question with flying colors. You gave our readers an immediate insight into your business practices, so thanks once again…