GUILDERLAND — Instead of dressing up a sales pitch, Anthony Commisso says Tuxego simply wants to dress up its customers.
Customer service, not profit, is what makes the difference in "the formalwear experience," said Commisso who owns and operates the stores.
"My marketing has never been about prices. It’s always been about making my customers happy," Commisso said.

The newly remodeled Tuxego, in Westmere Plaza at 1811 Western Ave., opened its doors in late February and has quickly caught on. It is Commisso’s first expansion from his flagship store in Latham.

But, he says, it won’t be his last.
"We love the site here in Guilderland. The exposure on the side of Western Avenue is great and we’re also right next to Angela’s Bridal, which is nice," said Commisso. "This is the first of many planned expansions in the Capital District"We are looking for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur and we are willing to work with them."

Commisso said a comfortable, pressure-free atmosphere is what makes the difference with his formal clothing line.
"We want to make sure the couple, when they leave, are comfortable, confident, and, above all else, happy," Commisso said. "We want to paint a wedding portrait that they will love, not just now, but 70 years from now."

But wedding parties are not the only ones likely to seek Commisso’s special touch this time of year; prom night also brings out the area’s best-dressed.
"We work by appointment for weddings and the reason we do that is because we really want to get to know the bride and groom," said Commisso. "But we also make sure that our prom kids get the attention they need to make their big night a very special event."

Grant Eidelbus uses his 35 years of men’s clothing experience to manage Guilderland Tuxego. Commisso said they run the stores like small-town shops, but have the advantage of being able to price like their big box store counterparts.

The secret to his success, says Commisso, is staying out of the malls.
"When you have a wedding party, usually the father of the groom comes in to get the tuxes," said Commisso. "He would be carrying about a half-dozen of tuxedos around. Now, would you want to have to do that through mall levels and parking lots" Here you can pull right up to the door."

The other part of the secret is simple honesty, he says.
"We give them candid advice every time," Commisso said. "I always joke with people that I’m the most obnoxious, straightforward guy you’ll ever meet. People always like that, and usually say, ‘That’s what I want to hear.’"

Growing up in the area, Commisso has a particular soft spot for Guilderland.
"I’m a local boy," he told The Enterprise. "I grew up on Delee Ave., right off of Palma Boulevard"I know this town."
Commisso said that the new Guilderland Tuxego will not only provide convenience and selection, but will abide by his company’s motto to his customers: "Look great, feel comfortable, and be confident in formalwear."