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Dedicated to the axiom that "the customer is always right," founder Nick Esposito along with his son, Jeff, cater to an international clientele in this successful 30-year-old establishment. Moda Georgio is ideally situated minutes from the Phoenix airport, close to the Arizona Biltmore, the luxurious Phoenician and the Ritz Carlton hotels. An East coast native, Nick Esposito originally owned two full line men's stores in both Deal and Spring Lake, N.J. for ten years before making the move to Arizona in 1979. He relates, "Actually, I started out with a master's degree and 13 years experience in education, but the clothing business really captured my imagination. The Deal store could be characterized as high fashion, while the Spring Lake store carried more traditional lines, so between the two, I became very familiar with all levels of ready-mades." Once the decision was made to make the move to the Valley of the Sun, Esposito determined that the Biltmore location and his expertise were well suited to the custom clothing market. He decided to open his doors in 1982. Style books from various suppliers are readily at hand and a number of sample books with fabrics from the finest mills in the world are housed in a handsome wall unit. About a dozen navy blazers and suits, both single- and double-breasted, in a range of sizes are available as try-ons to assist in taking measurements for their tailors. Also, hanging throughout the store are custom made pieces for customer fittings and for displaying the fine workmanship of Moda Georgio's garments. Some ready-made shirts in basic white and blue are carried in stock because as Esposito says, "There are some guys who cannot wait to have their shirts custom made! Accessories are displayed attractively throughout the sales space. These include cuff links, imported tuxedo shirts, scarves, shoe samples, socks, rare skin belts, bow ties, expensive leather wallets, formalwear items, and cummerbund sets. Originally making his name as a custom shirt maker, Esposito shows 4,000 fine cotton fabrics imported from Italy and Switzerland, but he is quick to point out that all the work is done in the United States. Shirts range in price from $175 - $325. |
We do not work from pre-patterned collars. We are happy to cut a special pattern if need be, and the patron can add even the smallest detail. We will accommodate him if at all possible. All cutting is done by hand; our collars are turned by hand as well. We also offer hand monogramming." Esposito continues, "If there is a better way to make a shirt, I want to know. I'll be delighted to adapt-no matter what the cost. We will make a single shirt if necessary to introduce our fine craftsmanship to a first-time client." Although custom shirts remain the "backbone" of their business, custom suits have become Moda Georgio's fastest growing department. Their suits begin at $2,800 and go upwards of $5,000; sports coats from $1,900 to $3,500 and slacks from $495 - $800. Typical Moda Georgio's customers are anywhere from 25 to 60 years of age and generally, are upper income businessmen and corporate executives, including a number of Fortune 500 CEOs.
There is no limit to the sourcing the Espositos will do to insure that they are carrying the best quality goods available internationally. Nick, Sr. regularly travels to Europe spending time checking out fashion and fabric sources. Moda Georgio has at least 15 to 20 customers in Europe who visit or call to renew orders. A retailer there was so impressed with their workmanship that he is interested in importing some ready-mades from the Espositos to sell to his native English customers. Esposito states, "Our business has become international in large part because people from all over the world come through Phoenix at one time or another. If they stop in, there's a good chance they'll become a permanent customer. Our motto is 'just try one and you'll be with us forever.'" He also travels to New York City three times a year to see clients. He continues, "We really don't do much prospecting or advertising per se. We get referrals, or on occasion, customers will send us a shirt to copy." "Once a year in July, we schedule a small mailing- a twofold with fabric samples to our existing shirt customers- if we ever made a shirt for you, you will receive one. Because of this promotion and our 20 percent reduction on all shirts for the entire month, July has become our best business month of the year." Since opening in Phoenix, Moda Georgio's sales have increased steadily to date. They are actively serving 3,000 clients from the United States and Europe- no small accomplishment for this exclusive, family operated enterprise doing business in one of the most picturesque environments in the country. To view this article in its original form as published in Made to Measure Magazine. |
Located in the heart of
Phoenix, Arizona's premier shopping district, Moda Georgio provides a full range of custom shirts and clothing-
also accessories- to its upscale patrons.
"Service is what
we sell," relates Esposito. "My son and I are knowledgeable about the business and our patrons can be
assured of personal service from the firm's principals at all times. We are especially resourceful when it comes
to special ordering. Forty years of experience has allowed me to build many lines in
my files. If you are not satisfied with the finished product, we'll take it back
for a full refund- not just credit. In an age when there are never enough
clerks, or if there are, they are unfamiliar with the merchandise, my son and I are
always on hand with our undivided attention and expertise."
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MODA GEORGIO CUSTOM CLOTHING3168 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
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