BOYDS' EXPANDING SCOPE; RENOVATION EXPECTED TO HELP STORE QUICKLY TRIPLE ITS WOMEN'S BUSINESS.

Daily News Record, April, 2005 by Palmieri, Jean E.

Byline: Jean E. Palmieri

PHILADELPHIA -- Kent Gushner is a man on a mission.

"Our store has always been known as the premier upscale men's store in Philadelphia," said the president of Boyds. "Now we want to be known as the premier upscale retail location in Philadelphia."

And $2.5 million later, Gushner is well on his way.

Last week the specialty store completed phase one of a renovation project that is designed to catapult the retailer into a whole new league. The initial moves include a dramatically increased women's wear presentation, a new upscale jewelry department for both men and women, a revamped cafe now operated by arguably the city's top chef, and an enlarged and relocated men's shoe department.

"We...