In 1959 Angela and Camillo Tramontana immigrated from Italy where Camillo was a custom tailor.
A few years later in 1966 they established Camillo Tuxedo Specialists in Norwalk.{{more}}
Seven years later they expanded and opened their second location in town.
Both locations display more than 300 designer styles of traditional, contemporary and unique tuxedo rentals and purchases.
“To get into the business, we needed to know how to fit a (suit) to the customer,” Angela Tramontana said.
Angela said to be successful one needs to understand how to fit a suit.
“We have customers with small shoulders, large hips, big legs. But no matter the problem we can fit you,” she said.
A recent example of just how far Camillo’s will go to satisfy a customer was a customer with unusual jacket requirements. Camillo made a new jacket to fit him.
“We always buy extra material,” Tramontana said.
Other examples of what sets Camillo’s apart from ‘chain’ rental locations is there is always a tailor on the premises, and there is no additional fee for same day rentals.
“You can come in on the same day and in 10 minutes I will put together your tuxedo at no additional charge,” Tramontana said.
A satisified father of the bride once wrote “What Tiffany’s is to the world of jewelry, Camillo’s is to the world of formalwear.”
“Some national chains say they can give you a tux for $59 or $69. When you get there an additional fee is charged for shoes, vests, shirts. You end up spending $200,” Tramontana said.
“Here the very most you would spend is $160 (for the verey high end) Average is $125 all inclusive including shoes. This is no gimmick,” she said.
Another difference between Camillo’s and chain stores is they always have plenty of everything in stock.
“We don’t show you pictures (of outfits), we have it all you can try it all on,” she said.
All the staff is very knowledgable, in fact they have been with the store for 20 to 25 years.
Tramontana said her husband Camillo pioneered the free measurements for out of state customers.
Now anyone, anywhere can walk into a tuxedo rental location and get their measurements. This is especially helpful for out of state rentals.
The 5,00 square foot Norwalk location also has a dry cleaner where every item is sanitized before going back on the shelf
Camillo’s offers a student discout of $25 for proms and special events. And, free tux rental for groom with a party of six or more.
Camillo Tuxedos is located at 500 Boston Post Road.