Our First Year

Last year Barbour Inc. and the retailer David Hodgkins of the store David Wood decided to open a shop in Portland Maine's historic Old Port. The intention of the enterprise was to show the Barbour clothing line in a different light than it's more traditional stores in Boston and New York City. David knew that the line which was started in 1894 had the longevity and depth to support a single line store. He also knew that if shown in a different way, Barbour clothing could be a strong fashion line and not a product known just as traditional foul weather wear. Barbour Inc. knew they had the right partner with Hodgkins, founder of David Wood, one of the most successful men's stores in New England.

At the height of the financial crisis on October 11, 2008, Barbour by David Wood opened it's doors. David chose myself, John Musacchio to be the general manager of the operation, and I knew after the first week we had quite the up hill battle ahead if we wanted this to work. I can't tell you how many folks said to me "you sure picked one hell of a time to open a clothing store". We were starting to think the same thing until we remembered that we were selling a product that had an incredible amount of value and style. Is that not what our new consumer is looking for in this very different economic climate? We decide to move ahead as planned.


One year later Barbour by David Wood is still here and prospering.


I am starting this blog because I believe that foul weather wear can be worn in many cool and unique ways. There is an entire lifestyle that can be summed up by appreciating the history of a perfectly weathered waxed Barbour jacket.

JM