He bought the store in 2003, changed the name, dropping “Craig” to make it “Williamson & Company,” and moved it to Downtown Napa the same year (he was the last original tenant in the Grapeyard, said Jay).
By that point, men’s fashion had begun to change in many ways.
“In the early 2000s, men began to wear Tommy Bahama and could leave their shirttails out.” For a few years, the island look was the rage, and Williamson carried the whole line.
“Most businesses adopted casual Friday’s. By the time we moved downtown we were down to 100 suits.”
That had a domino effect. “Less suits means less ties and dress shirts.” Ye, sport coats remain strong, as well as shirts with fun patterns.
Williamson & Company still carries a good selection of tropical wear, as well as shoes, jeans, casual and dress slacks, belts, socks, underwear–everything you would expect in a quality men’s shop.
Also changed over the years is the way people shop. Prior to the Great Recession, people’s shopping patterns were predictable. Businesses could count on a certain percentage of business coming on Wednesday, for example, and could schedule staff accordingly.
“Now we take it day-to-day. We may have a slow Saturday, and a really busy Wednesday morning.”
