Yes, There is a Real "Al" Behind Al's Formal Wear
Of all the questions from media, students at area schools and customers alike, the most common question asked is, "is there a real Al behind Al's Formal Wear?". The answer is yes! His name is Alan Gaylor and it was his vision and hard work that made Al's Formal Wear the tuxedo empire it is today.
From humble beginnings and a dream to provide his family with a good future, Alan Gaylor, and his wife Lillian, started a tuxedo shop at 712 McKinney in downtown Houston, Texas in the 1950s. The shop had 1,000 square feet of space and a rent base of $200. Al recalls at that time, a gentleman could be formally outfitted in a tuxedo for a total cost of only $5.95.
As the years went by, the business continued to grow under the Gaylors hard work and direction. They successfully outfitted customers through many decades and fashion trends in the 50s, 60s, through the 90s and now the 2000s. Many of Al's Formal Wear customers have rented their prom and wedding tuxedos from us, as well as their tuxedos for their children and grandchildren's weddings.
Al's Formal Wear currently has over 100 stores located in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Colorado. Al's also has a wholesale division, Ascot Formal Wear, that supplies formalwear shops across the United States with tuxedos. Rounding out Al's services to consumers is CRDN of Greater Houston South, which specializes in restoring clothing and other fabric items damaged by fires and floods. More information can be found at www.alsformalwear.com/restoration.
After over 50 years of building a tuxedo empire for his family, Mr. Gaylor turned over the presidency to his son Stuart in 2001. Since he took the reins, the company has continued to flourish. Al's is currently building more stores in new markets and has plans for many more in the near future.
"Our business from day one was built on providing excellent customer service and quality merchandise at affordable prices, and we continue to build our business on this premise today," states Mr. Gaylor.