After about six weeks of construction, Annandale men’s clothing store Francis & Murphy, formerly Francis & Chase, is ready to show off its new look to customers old and new.
“Anyone who was in that store back in July would not recognize it now,” said Dr. Lawrence Murphy, a pediatrician whose practice is located in nearby Burke. Murphy is the new co-owner of the store. Paul Francis runs the day-to-day operations of the store and is also in charge of alterations. Francis previously ran and co-owned the store with his two brothers.
The store opened in Annandale in 1975 and has been operational for more than 30 years, but this is the first time they’ve undergone a complete remodel. Construction started back in August and has only just finished. The interior of the store now has polished wood flooring, a sitting space and a mounted TV on the wall.
“The goal was to make the place more inviting for residents,” said Murphy.
The changes to the exterior are likely most noticeable to Annandale residents driving or walking near the intersection of Backlick Road and Little River Turnpike. Bright blue paint now accents the house in which the store operates. Previously, photos were visible in the windows of the stores, but now there are mannequins which Murphy said will be rotated every 30 days.
Hours at the store have also changed. Previously, they were closed on Sundays, but are now open from noon to 5 p.m. Murphy said the decision has been positive; Sundays now account for regular traffic to the store.
New Name, Same Business
Francis & Murphy sells a variety of suits from brand name designers such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors to name a few.
“Our store represents value. We don’t have those huge overheads found at Tysons 2, but we have the same designer stuff. People get value for their dollars here,” said Murphy.
The store sells designer suits including shirts, sweaters, ties, belts, cufflinks, cologne and more. While the store does not sell women’s clothing, they can do alterations for women’s suits, dresses and pants.
Customers who are still worried about price can visit the clearance center of suits downstairs where the same designers suits and items that don’t meet the store’s selling expectations can be found at discounted prices.
“We sell suits for less without compromising quality and you get quality, personal service as well,” said Murphy.
For more information about Francis & Murphy, visit their new website www.francisandmurphy.com.
Francis & Murphy is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m.
Susan Ray
Paul Huguenard