A 'Bittersweet' Farewell to Port Washington

For 31 years, women needing shoes and accessories that complemented their special occassion dresses knew just where to shop: in Port Washington. 

There, retailer Brenda Garfield served them well, offering shoes that could be custom-dyed, and which, by the way were comfortable too, and didn't cost a fortune. At the shop, they could also select an elegant handbag and shawl, without blowing their budget.

"There's very little here over $100," Garfield said.

But beginning Dec. 1, After Five customers will have to visit Garfield at En-Toto Couture, a custom gown specialist at 550 Northern Boulevard in Great Neck, where Garfield will be setting up shop. She'll close the Port Washington boutique on Nov. 30.

Garfield, a Port Washington resident, said leaving Main Street was "bittersweet."

"This was the worst year in business because of the economy," Garfield said. "Ninety-eight percent of customers that come in here, buy." Unfortunately, she added, she's seen less and less traffic.

That's why when her lease recently expired, Garfield decided to take up an offer by Michael Strows, the owner of En-Toto.

"He kept telling me, 'We could do a great job together,'" she said.

"Brenda is a true professional," Strows said. "We welcome her with open arms."

Garfield, who serves on the board of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, said she is accustomed to working both with designers and any antsy customers who may fret about fittings.

"Every store has a story," she said. "I know how to calm people down."

Currently, After Five is having a liquidation sale, with 10 percent off bags.

And while Garfield, a self-professed lover of retail, is eager to open shop inside En-Toto, she added, "I'm sorry to leave. I love this town."