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Small Business Focus: Darryl’s Boutique, a Mainstay of the Upper West Side Since 1986

December 21, 2022 | 9:50 AM
in COLUMNS
30
Ed Coviello and Darryl Gamble, co-founders of Darryl’s. Photographs by Meg A. Parsont.

By Meg A. Parsont

Many years ago, when I needed a last-minute interview outfit, I went to Darryl’s at 492 Amsterdam Avenue, between 83rd and 84th streets. Co-founder Darryl Gamble pulled a dress off the rack that, to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have tried on without his encouragement. I purchased it and yes, I got the job. Years later, when I needed a dress for a gala, I headed over to Darryl’s, having no idea what one even wore to a gala! I fell in love with a 60s-style dress that I’ve since worn to weddings and other special occasions. Each time, I delight in the fact that it’s different from the cookie-cutter little black dresses on many of the other guests.

Since he opened Darryl’s in 1986 with his partner Ed Coviello (whose middle name happens to be Darryl), Darryl Gamble has come to the sartorial rescue of three generations of customers. His original customers in the mid-80s—women who were likely to buy a blazer or tailored suit with shoulder pads—are now bringing in their granddaughters who are on the lookout for jeans and fun tops. Chances are, they’ll both leave the store happy. Darryl’s carries a wide range of clothes, from special occasion dresses embellished with a bit of bling to leggings and sweaters. And unlike most other boutiques, Darryl’s makes it a mission to offer something for everyone and stocks up to size 16.

Racks…

Styling others comes naturally to Gamble. As a child growing up in a close-knit family in Detroit, he often selected items for his mother when they went shopping. His brother and three sisters were also receptive to his styling suggestions and later, when one of his sisters had seven children of her own, there were countless opportunities for family styling! He reflects, “My parents were both clothes horses, which is probably where I got it from.”

When Gamble was growing up, his mother regaled him with stories about when she lived in New York City in the 1940s. He decided to move to New York City after college and arrived here in the late 70s at a time when pioneering stores like Charivari and trendy restaurants were starting to put the Upper West Side on the map. He worked at Stewart Ross’s Stone Free clothing shop on West 72nd Street which he describes as “very Annie Hall.” Gamble turned the floundering Upper West Side shop around and made it profitable.

Ed Coviello and Darryl Gamble inside Darryl’s.

He and Ed Coviello, an educator who learned the ropes of retail at the West 72nd Street store, decided they were ready to open their own boutique. They knew they wanted to stay on the Upper West Side, where Gamble already had a large and loyal customer base. They could never afford rent on trendy Columbus Avenue, and Broadway was too big for the shop they had in mind, but they could afford the rent on Amsterdam Avenue. They opened on December 20, 1986 in the storefront that is now the Magpie gift shop. Then they moved up the street to their current location at 492 Amsterdam Avenue, where they occupy two storefronts.

Their decision to open on Amsterdam Avenue paid off. Coviello explains, “We became the neighborhood shop where people could come in, buy their dress, go home, and have the rest of the day to themselves. They didn’t have to go schlepping down to department stores or other shops.” 36 years later, Darryl’s is still a true neighborhood boutique that has flourished over three-plus decades and made it through the pandemic.

Racks…

Gamble says, “We have incredible clients. During Covid, we had customers checking in on us to make sure we were okay. Everyone was so supportive.” Coviello adds, “We had clients who would come in and buy a gift certificate for themselves, even though they didn’t need anything at that time. They figured they could always use it later.”

The Darryl’s co-founders note that, post-pandemic, there’s renewed energy in the store as people have returned to work and are going to more special events again. But everything is more casual now, and the racks of the shop reflect people’s changing needs and tastes with more separates and sportswear. What hasn’t changed is the comfortable, calm shopping atmosphere at Darryl’s and the personalized attention customers receive. Gamble reflects, “I think a big reason why we’re still here is that I match the person to the clothing. I take into consideration their demeanor, whether they seem to be receptive to color or not, and work with them to find the item best suited to their personality.”

And more racks!

When I was in Darryl’s recently, a woman came into the shop on a mission to buy a blouse. She went into the dressing room with an armload of options but was having a Goldilocks moment. One was too big, one was too long, one was too short. She was on the verge of leaving empty-handed, but agreed to try on a blouse that Gamble had picked out for her, and it was just right. Yet again, he had worked his styling magic.

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ChristineD
ChristineD
3 months ago

I LOVE Darryl’s. It is THE go-to place for casual but elegant clothes on the West Side. Big thanks to Darryl and Ed for everything they do (and sell!).

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Reply
Ellen S
Ellen S
3 months ago

Darryl’s is unique to the Upper West Side: a small store that knows its customers by name and knows how to dress them. Whether I’m in need of an outfit for a special occasion or just want to refresh my wardrobe, Darryl knows what suits me, and knows as well how to encourage me to be a little bit more daring.

10
Reply
Lisa
Lisa
3 months ago

Fantastic store – I always find something I love here. Thank you WSR for this series – I hit Runaway Poppy yesterday and got my Christmas shopping done.

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Elizabeth
Elizabeth
3 months ago

Darryl is real world, real people, the best.
He just understands women’s figures, style, attitude & desires and will dress you to the “T.”
I still have, and still wear (!) beautifully made, classic pieces I bought from Darryl more than 30 years ago.
He is a treasure. As is his store.

4
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Judy
Judy
3 months ago

I LOVE this store and am so glad it is surviving and thriving. Daryl is lovely and just as described in the story, he has on multiple occasions suggested a piece of clothing that I didn’t see or wouldn’t have thought of, and it works. I wish there were more stores like this one.

3
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Carolyn
Carolyn
3 months ago

It is true. It is a great store and Daryl has a great eye in helping you dress for any occasion. He also makes you feel known and appreciated. . Everyone should support this great neighborhood store. Thanks Daryl for sticking it out with us on the uws!

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KAREN
KAREN
3 months ago

WHAT A TERRIFIC ARTICLE; BOTH OWNERS ARE THE NICEST AND I HAVE ONLY BOUGHT FROM THERE SINCE MOVING HERE 6 MONTHS AGO! THEY HAVE SO MANY ITEMS TO SELECT FROM..AND IT IS SUCH A CALM, WARM, UNPRRSSURED PKACE;A PLEASURE EVERY TIME I GO..AND BUY!!!

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Ellen Shell
Ellen Shell
3 months ago

I LOVE shopping at Darryl’s. Thank you WSR for doing this story. It’s a unique shop that still offers the level of small neighborhood service and appeal that doesn’t seem to exist anymore. They know their customers. They know you by name. They know what you like. I sometimes suspect they even pick things out from their suppliers with me in mind. Darryl and Ed have a talent for knowing what will make a person look and feel fabulous and at price points that can be manageable for the style and fit. People ask me all the time where I get my clothes and I say, “Darryl’s.” This store is a neighborhood gem.

3
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Peggy
Peggy
3 months ago

Darryl’s is the store I go to when I need a special dress that not only looks good but will last. Thank you for being here.

2
Reply
Bettina K
Bettina K
3 months ago

Delighted you just profiled Darryl’s, where I’ve bought many stylish, elegant, & classic articles of apparel. I feel perfectly dressed in everything Darryl has advised me to consider. A few doors down at 488 Amsterdam Ave is another treasure you recently featured – Magpie -a source of reasonably priced gifts – all selected by lovely owner Sylvia whose excellent taste prevails. I would like to put in a thumbs up too for Franklyn’s Barber Shop, 490 Amsterdam Ave, sandwiched in between Darryls and Magpie. Prices very reasonable, Owner Franklyn is one of the nicest, most honest people you will meet. His barbers are cut from the same cloth. For years, Luz cut my hair beautifully but is now there rarely, has moved out of NY. Acceding to my pleas that he cut my hair, Franklyn, at first saying, “I don’t cut ladies’ hair” has been doing so – and doing it quite well!

3
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Marcy
Marcy
3 months ago

Cant wait to come back to NYC from Honolulu and Portland Or to shop at Darryl’s. See you two guys in the Spring!

2
Reply
Nancy
Nancy
3 months ago

Darryl’s is wonderful, and so is Darryl! I have gotten many garments at the shop, from casual to very dressy. The quality, style and selection is great. Thank you, Darryl!

2
Reply
Diana
Diana
3 months ago

Fabulous store. It’s the one I miss most since moving to Florida.

1
Reply
Jackie Ellenson
Jackie Ellenson
3 months ago

I consider being “dressed by Darryl” to be one of the true blessings of living on the UWS. He’s a true neighborhood gem. Kind and caring, welcoming and helpful. never any pressure to buy. He knows I’ll always come back, whether for a pair or pants, a dress, a casual sweater, or special jacket. This store is always my first stop if I need something for an event or for travel. Thanks Darryl and Ed for being such an integral part of our neighborhood!

1
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Nancy kaufman
Nancy kaufman
3 months ago
Reply to  Jackie Ellenson

One more thing you and I have in common, Jackie!!

1
Reply
Stephanie
Stephanie
3 months ago

After reading this article, I will surely stop in. Thank you for making it known to me.

2
Reply
Ellen
Ellen
3 months ago

Lovely article, lovely store. And I think the woman mentioned at the end, looking for a blouse, was me! I was there last week and Darryl found me the perfect shirt. Or maybe it was someone else – clearly this happens all the time at Darryl’s!

1
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Kathy
Kathy
3 months ago

Hands down the best clothing store in NYC. Half of my clothes are from there, from casual to fancy. When friends visit fro out of town, I love taking them there and they always find great things. Darryl is THE BEST. He and this store are treasures.

1
Reply
Mae Nan Ellingson
Mae Nan Ellingson
3 months ago

Recently When in NYC visiting Friend Rosemary who introduced me to Darryl’s, we went to Darryl’s for nothing in particular , but found lots of things of interest. We both ended up buying a holiday top that he showed us. I have just worn mine to a party in Fort Worth , Texas where a woman came up to me asking where I bought my smashing top? She wanted one just like it. Thanks Darryl, you helped me shine!!!

2
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Margaret Leibowitz
Margaret Leibowitz
3 months ago

Bravo to Darryl and Ed! I agree with all of the elegant and extremely well-dressed women who posted. Darryl’s boutique is the place for party, work and casual outfits. Everything is high quality and looks great for years. I frequently buy holiday and birthday gifts of shirts and sweaters for family and friends. Darryl and Ed have wonderful taste in the clothes and accessories they buy for the store – everything is in fashion and you don’t see yourself, as my mother would say, “coming and going.” Thank you and many, many more years of fun retail therapy!

2
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Nancy kaufman
Nancy kaufman
3 months ago

LOVE Darryl’s— got my attire every year for WHITE House Chanukah party and many beautiful work jackets!

1
Reply
DianeT
DianeT
3 months ago

There’s a second Darryls in Rhinebeck where I live. Always can find an outfit that no one else will be wearing. I need to come to the store in UWS.

0
Reply
Meg Parsont
Meg Parsont
3 months ago
Reply to  DianeT

There’s a third Darryl’s location in Beacon!

0
Reply
Carmella Ombrella
Carmella Ombrella
3 months ago
Reply to  DianeT

Nice to know! I spend a long weekend in lovely Rhinebeck every October (for NYS&W) and didn’t know there was a Darryl’s there. Will check it out next time.

1
Reply
Marti
Marti
3 months ago

Love this piece, Meg. I remember all the way back to Stone Free. Thanks for this wonderful trip down the UWS’s memory lane.

1
Reply
Ardith
Ardith
3 months ago

My wardrobe is filled with elegant clothes from this wonderful store. I have never been disappointed, Darryl will always find me something that works. Thank you, WSR, for this great article.

1
Reply
Nina
Nina
3 months ago

Yes, Darryl’s is the place! He has such great taste. I always find something. I had to get something for a wedding recently. He found just the right thing.

1
Reply
Michelle B
Michelle B
3 months ago

I dropped into Darryl’s today in search of a festive yet understated top to wear on New Year’s. I’ve been shopping at Darryl’s for many years, both in NYC and at the upstate location in Rhinebeck. I can always count on finding just the right thing, and am always pleased with the welcoming attitude and courteous attentiveness that I experience while shopping or even just browsing there. Glad to see that Darryl’s has endured!

1
Reply
Gayle G.
Gayle G.
3 months ago

I love Darryl’s clothes! There is something for everyone and every occassion. BUT what I like most is the service that they provide. Always so helpful and understand what their clients need and want. Personal service and great style is a lost art but not here. Run don’t walk

1
Reply
Peter L
Peter L
3 months ago

OK, a comment from the male side. Years ago my wife brought me into Darryl’s while we were walking home. She is a singer/pianist and needs unique, classy clothes that also attract attention and read to the back of the room. We walked out not only with exactly the right choices but also really beautiful casual clothes to wear to parties (and on dates). I am an inept shopper. If left to my own devices buying gifts, I’d be run out of town. But Darryl and I not only became instant friends, but I enjoy walking in and finding great clothes for my wife, on my own. I will always pick out one or two items, Darryl will always nod respectfully and immediately pull out two or three MUCH better selections, and voila. An easy, pressure-free, fun experience. And I don’t feel like a fool.

My wife claims she can’t live without two things: me … and Darryl’s.

2
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