INDEPENDENTS FETE FALL WITH BIG BLOWOUTS; FROM ANNIVERSARY EVENTS TO STREET FAIRS, MEN'S SPECIALTY STORES ARE GETTING THEIR PARTY STARTED.(Levy)

Daily News Record, September, 2004 by Pallay, Jessica; Palmieri, Jean

Byline: JESSICA PALLAY, JEAN PALMIERI, Contributions by BRENDA LLOYD, ADAM TSCHORN

NEW YORK -- Fall is turning out to be a season of celebrations for independent men's specialty stores.

With business once again solid, retailers around the country are pulling out all the stops to lure customers into their stores. Anniversary parties, relocations and renovations are just some of the tools merchants are using this season to create excitement.

Perhaps the most significant is Levy's in Nashville, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The specialty store's history dates back to 1855, and it's run today by David Levy, president, who represents the fifth generation of the founding family.

"It's really exciting," Levy said of the...