History:

Albert Bernard Chaplin ran a small haberdashery in lower Manhattan that was started during the war years. It quickly became a favorite of Wall Street financiers as they loved Chaplin's custom made umbrellas, walking canes and, of course, hats. Each piece had Chaplin's initials — " ABC " — engraved on the item or sewn into the inner lining. Over the years, Chaplin added additional stores in New York and across the country and began offering specialty items for women 20 years ago. Today, there are over 50 stores and a classic set of items that continue the tradition that began 60 years ago.

The Collection:

In Albert Chaplin's view, no Wall Street financier should ever be subject to the elements without a custom monogrammed umbrella. The initial ones he designed were so popular that he added walking canes and, of course a series of different hats, including bowlers.

Chaplins Today:

Over the years Chaplins experimented with a number of different apparel products before settling in on accessories as its primary product line. Silk ties, braces, bow ties, cuff links, belts and monogrammed handkerchiefs were all steady performers during the firm's first few decades.

When the company expanded into women's accessories, the same attention to detail and distinctive monogram remained a key part of Chaplins signature look.

Chaplins Portal Strategy:

Today, Chaplins' marketers use their custom web portal to monitor and analyze sales, track store and market performance, evaluate new product introductions, check the potential for new and current store locations and plan new event promotions: