Bottoms & Tops, which has been providing its clientele with the hottest trends in club wear for 10 years, has closed its doors. “Things have changed over the years,” said owner Jon Anthony. “But the community has been very supportive and amazing to us.” Anthony said that the state of the economy has been an issue. During the past four years the company has been trying their best to accommodate their customers during this time with deals, but it has become increasingly hard because of the overhead of being in a shopping center.
A New Beginning – Local favorite Bottoms & Tops has closed its doors, but owner Jon Anthony has more plans for the Drive
Bottoms & Tops, which has been providing its clientele with the hottest trends in club wear for 10 years, has closed its doors.
“Things have changed over the years,” said owner Jon Anthony. “But the community has been very supportive and amazing to us.”
Anthony said that the state of the economy has been an issue. During the past four years the company has been trying their best to accommodate their customers during this time with deals, but it has become increasingly hard because of the overhead of being in a shopping center.
“It’s time for a new chapter,” he said. “But we certainly have left our mark.”
Bottoms & Tops was known for its unique selection of clothing and accessories, excellent customer service and their participation in the community — they’ve donated tens of thousands of dollars to events and local organizations.
Through the years, they have had several expansions, including a Bottoms & Tops shop in St. Pete, another one in Fort Lauderdale across from Sears Town, Icon, and their Outlet next to Sidelines. In fact, their Outlet is now owned by Anthony’s sister and will remain open for business.
“She remodeled it,” Anthony said. “It’s a high caliber of clothes at a better price.”
Bottoms & Tops first location was in the space that now houses Humpy’s Pizza.
“We sold Versace, Gucci and Fendi,” Anthony said. “People dressed up more back then — they would dress up for Happy Hour.”
He said that Florida began to get more casual and those who used to be dressed to the nines were now sporting Polo shirts and jeans to work.
“So they were more contemporary casual when they went out,” Anthony said.
Bottoms & Tops followed that trend and started to sell more casual wear for their clients.
Speaking of clients, Anthony said that his have been extremely loyal.
“I want to thank them for their support over the years,” he said. “They’ve been very good to us and hopefully will remember the store fondly.”
His client base shouldn’t be concerned about Anthony though, because he has more projects in the works.
“Well, first I will take two months to rest and go to my vacation house in North Florida,” he said. “Then I will be the national sales director for a large denim company.”
In addition, we haven’t seen the last of Jon Anthony on the Drive — he has a new business idea that will put you in a real lather.
“I’m opening a salon and spa,” he said. “It will be very affordable and cost effective, with no service being over $15.”
Anthony said that the way things are in this economy, it’s like the new Depression.
“And people still want quality and great service, but at a price that doesn’t hurt their wallet.”
“There are several great salons on the Drive, but none of them are value-based,” he continued. “I have nothing against them, they have their client base.”
Anthony used to work in a salon, so he has the experience to start a new one.
“I used to manage large spas back in the day,” he said. “And I can do four heads of highlights in an hour.”
He said that he hopes to bring a fun environment to the new salon. Although he won’t be there on a day to day basis, he will be overseeing it. Anthony plans to open this business on The Drive.
“The Drive has changed from when he first went in,” he said. “Back then, the
Shoppes of Wilton Manors was the only gig in town. Now, because of the success of so many businesses and the spreading of Wilton Drive from Five Points to the Bridge, you can have a successful business anywhere along The Drive.”
Excited about his new business ventures, Anthony is energized by his future plans.
“It is a positive,” he said. “It’s an evolution.”
