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Affinity and The Tux Shop closing with 23 years of fond memories

By: J. Werner
| Published 03/24/2014

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- For those who have an affinity for beautiful clothes, look no more, because to the dismay of The Woodlands community, one of it’s oldest businesses will soon be closing. The Affinity & The Tux Shop has been dressing residents for their most memorable events for over two decades. When women wanted something special, not just any dress off the rack, they went to Affinity. And who doesn’t want something special for that special occasion?

Two generations have shopped this unique boutique for weddings, proms, homecomings, and pageants. According to owners Shirley and John Hunter, at least 15,000 evening gowns have been sold for proms alone during the past 23 years.

Business was brisk this past weekend for prom season with dresses 20 percent off, as the shop liquidates their evening dress inventory.

“One of our disappointed customers said it was the end of an era,” said owner, Shirley Hunter.

Many residents have fond memories of shopping Affinity for special occasions. In addition to formal wear, the shop also carried all the essential evening accessories.

“I remember when my husband and I went to London for a formal event. They dressed me from head to toe,” said Vicki Kintigh. “It was like having my very own personal stylist.”

The only thing the store didn’t dress were brides.

“We’ve never done bridal gowns, but we’ve dressed a lot of bridesmaids and mothers of the bride,” said John Hunter. “Our wedding business has always been strong, and we’ve also dressed a lot of pageant candidates, including a couple of pageant queens. Misti Jeter who has won several pageants, and Bonnie Hubert (pictured), who not only won Mrs. Texas, but went on to win second runner-up nationally.

The store also has a fine line of men’s tuxedos for weddings and proms, but the tuxedos and men’s formal wear accessories, which includes dinner jackets, shirts, ties, cumberbuns, cufflinks and shirt studs, are being handled as a separate entity.

“I want to sell the tuxedos and men’s accessories as a package,” said Hunter.

The Hunters cite the aging process and health issues as reasons for closing the store. They’re looking forward to staying busy with hobbies and other interests, but not something that requires regular set hours. No doubt, the seven-day work week January through April, during the wedding and prom season, has got to be grueling.

Hunter credits his wife with growing the business.

“My wife built this store,” said Hunter. “We have a large following of customers because of her.”

Shirley said she especially enjoyed working with ladies selecting evening wear. A classic cocktail dress or evening gown is an investment piece that can be worn for years. But the Hunters agreed that what they’ve enjoyed the most are the relationships they’ve built over the years.

“We truly value and appreciate our customers,” said John. “It’s been a fun run.”

Their loyalty to their customers runs deep, so much so that they’re keeping the store open until May 3rd, because they have three weddings in May: two on May 3, and one the week before.

“I promised these customers that we would ‘see them down the aisle’,” said Hunter.

For the rest of their customer base, you still have a little over a month to shop for a dress for that special event. Not only will it be a wonderful remembrance of the occasion, but a cherished memento of one of The Woodlands most iconic businesses.

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