Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Save Paul's Hat Works


In which we take up a cause

Yes, it is very uncharacteristic of Travels West to take up a cause. But sometimes a blog's got to do what a blog's got to do.

It has come to our attention that the venerable hatter, 90-year-old Paul's Hat Works on Geary BLVD (that's GAH-ree; say it right!) is on the ropes and in danger of shutting its doors. Owner Michael Harris, who has been at Paul's for some 36 years, is in despair and fears his business is not long for this world.

It's not that hats aren't selling. They are. The Britney Spears / Kevin Federlein faux fedora axis has been responsible for selling many. The problem is, most of these hats, though stylish, are cheap knock-offs of real fur felt fedoras, trilbies, derbies and homburgs. Paul's, however, only sells top quality hat stock at prices to match. Paul's is also way out of the way -- way out in the Richmond -- not exactly a prime location for high-end, downtown haberdashery.

But listen, you can buy one hat every five or ten years that lasts a lifetime, or you can buy one hat every six months that falls apart in three. This season, give the gift of fine, well-made headgear from Paul's, and show your friends what a real lid is really about.

4 Comments:

Blogger Ray Frensham said...

Have you c9onsidered contacting one of the notice boards on the Fedora Lounge (fedoralounge.com I think) or contact the Fedora Chronicles.

You may also care to peruse my friends list at www.myspace.com/rayfrensham where you will dfind plenty of hat wearers, many of a younger age and many from the West Coast who, I am sure, would be able to support you.

A campaign needs to start here.

11:00 AM  
Blogger ABBIE said...

im ready to save this hat shop any ideas on how?

2:03 AM  
Blogger ABBIE said...

Hey just wanted to let you know that we've up and done something about it. Myself and three other ladies have bought the shop and are apprenticing with Michael. Check us out at www.hatworksbypaul.wordpress.com untill our website is ready at www.hatworksbypaul.com
and of course come into the shop. We're having a grand opening on the 29th!

1:24 AM  
Blogger Ray Frensham said...

Terrific news. I wishj you all the best.

A couple of places to link up with / advertise etc:

www.thecad.net and

www.fineanddandyshop.com [also http://fineanddandyshop.blogspot.com ]

3:52 AM  

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