San Antonio: The celebrated high-end retailer Julian Gold marks its 80th anniversary in 2025, maintaining a strong family-oriented ethos while adapting to evolving fashion trends and customer needs with a series of events and campaigns throughout the year.
Julian Gold, a high-end retailer renowned for its personalised service and dedication to detail, is approaching a significant milestone as it celebrates 80 years of operation this year. Established as a family business in San Antonio, Texas, the store’s commitment to a familial approach to customer service has been pivotal in its long-standing success.
Courtney G. Percy, the vice president of marketing at Julian Gold, articulated the store’s ethos, stating, “We like to consider ourselves a generational experience.” This sentiment reflects the significant number of families who have frequented the store over the decades, returning to purchase designer clothing, formal dresses, and fashionable outfits from the specialty shop located in Olmos Park’s business district. Percy added, “You have to have those relationships. You can’t just make that up,” highlighting the deep-rooted connections that the store’s sales staff have formed with their clientele, which extends beyond merely knowing their customers’ style preferences and favoured designers.
Founded in 1945 by Julian and Dorothy Gold, the store began its journey on North Main Avenue and emerged as one of San Antonio’s first suburban retailers, moving away from the downtown area. Prior to establishing their namesake store, Julian Gold had experience working at Wolff & Marx Co., a prominent downtown retailer, while Dorothy, a former fashion model, contributed her keen fashion sense to the business.
The store witnessed growth and evolution as it relocated to a larger site near San Antonio College before settling in its current location at 4109 McCullough Avenue in 1962. Initially focusing on dresses and a limited selection of separates, Julian Gold adapted to the changing fashion landscape, expanding its offerings by the 1970s to include more sportswear and coordinated pieces. By the 1980s, the retailer had broadened its inventory to encompass hats and cosmetics, establishing itself as a destination for comprehensive women’s fashion, featuring esteemed designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera.
Throughout its history, Julian Gold has hosted various events to engage its clientele, including designer trunk shows and fashion shows celebrating the latest trends during Fiesta. Notably, the store featured appearances by popular designers such as shoe designer Donald Pliner, who not only consulted with customers but also participated in autograph signings.
The retailer has gradually expanded beyond San Antonio, launching additional locations in Corpus Christi and Midland during the 1950s, Austin in 2002, and Lubbock in 2022. The flagship store has also seen renovations, including the addition of a second floor dedicated to a bridal salon and the introduction of a small menswear section. Currently, Julian Gold operates five locations and employs a workforce of 66, comprising many long-standing employees who have been with the company since the 1990s.
In January, Julian Gold plans to launch an “80 Years of Elegance” campaign, celebrating its anniversary through a series of style shows and in-store retail events at each location. The year-long celebration will showcase some of the most sought-after designs and trends, including an extensive selection of high-end bridal wear.
As many retailers adapt to changing consumer habits by scaling back, Julian Gold remains steadfast in its brick-and-mortar presence, preserving unique offerings such as complimentary gift wrapping and on-site alteration services. James Glover, the president and CEO, affirmed, “Our clientele is fiercely loyal,” emphasising the importance of meeting customers’ needs and ensuring they feel confident in their appearance.
Having begun his journey with Julian Gold in 1988, Glover succeeded Bob Gurwitz, who was instrumental in the store’s growth and success until his passing in 2022. Glover’s daughter, Courtney, now plays a vital role in shaping the company’s marketing and communication strategies, continuing the family-oriented culture that defines Julian Gold.
In their reflections on company culture, both Glover and Percy acknowledge the strong sense of family that permeates the store, allowing for personal interactions that resonate deeply with customers. “People want that personal interaction,” Courtney stated, reinforcing the establishment’s commitment to nurturing relationships that have endured across generations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
