A legacy of luxury: The Boyds story
Imagine a place where over 250 of the world’s most coveted designers come together under one family’s roof, where luxury isn’t just worn, it’s experienced. At Boyds, we’ve mastered the art of blending time- honored traditions with cutting-edge women’s and men’s fashion, creating a retail experience that speaks to every generation, every style, and every dream.
Founded in 1938, the torch of this legacy burns brighter than ever, carried forward by the third and fourth generations: Kent, Alex, and Andrew Gushner. With an unwavering commitment to the values that have defined us for over eight decades, we continue to write new chapters in our story and invite you to be a part of it.
Whether you grace our stores or explore our online boutique, the Boyds experience is designed to elevate more than just your wardrobe. It’s about awakening your confidence, celebrating your individuality, and helping you achieve the best version of yourself.
Four Generations and Counting
Our great-grandfather immigrated from Russia and invested what little savings he accumulated from selling newspapers into a not-so-charming shop that offered cigarettes, cigars, and dress shirts.
Here we are eighty-four years later, still the same family, still standing tall, with just a few notable updates. First, we’ve kicked that nicotine habit. Second, our women’s presentation takes center stage with an advanced contemporary and designer offering that pushes boundaries. Lastly, we can’t forget about our men’s selection that now ranges from boardroom suits to swimsuits and sweatsuits.
What we wear is an expression of who we are, how we think, and what we do. We're here to enhance how you perceive yourself and how everybody else perceives you. Thriving in today's world is incredibly taxing and you shouldn't have to do it alone. So, we're here to help. What we cherish most isn’t only the evolution of our product offering, but it's how we offer it—using the same old-world principles and lost-art service that has kept strong winds in our sails since 1938.
Today, our family of one hundred employees is serious about our mission (and on occasion even dresses the part), but we never take ourselves too seriously because that’s for everyone else.
Alex Gushner and Andrew Gushner
(4th generation)
Our History
1938
The Gushner brothers, Alexander, Albert, and Ben, founded Boyds, a humble men’s clothing store on 1217 Market Street in Philadelphia.
1968
After 30 successful years, Boyds was passed on to the next generation, spearheaded by Gerald and his brother, who would further expand the business.
1990
Boyds relocated to 1818 Chestnut Street, formerly the iconic Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts building.
1993
Boyds introduced designer women’s ready-to-wear after 55 years of exclusively selling menswear.
2004
The business transitioned to the third generation, led by Gerald’s son, Kent Gushner.
2014
Kent’s son and fourth generation, Alex Gushner, was introduced to the business after working for Zegna in New York.
2017
Boyds broke ground on a transformative storewide renovation and launched e-commerce.
2020
Another fourth generation family member, Andrew Gushner, joined the business after working for Bergdorf Goodman in New York. That same year, Boyds Pop-Up opened in Ardmore to test the suburban market.
2022
Boyds Wayne opened, marking the first permanent location outside of the city.
