OUR STORY
Located in the heart of Allentown's vibrant commercial downtown, assembly88 started in 2013 as a men's store that features curated brands that work whether you are on a date, in a business meeting, playing sports, or enjoying time with your family and friends.
In October 2023, assembly88 added a women's store featuring many of the same great brands you've come to expect when shopping with us. We've also added additional women's brands that complement our aesthetic.
We believe you deserve to be proud of the clothing you buy and we get how overwhelming it can be to choose comfortable and sophisticated apparel that meshes with your lifestyle. This is precisely why we are happy to assist our thousands of customers craft a unique-to-you wardrobe.
MEET SANTO NAPOLI
While owner and operator Santo Napoli did not grow up in Allentown, he quickly recognized the city's history, charm, and need for a boutique men's store that offered personalized customer service and better brands that are typically not available in your local mall.
Santo utilized his 17 years of experience as co-owner of The Archive and New York Urban to curate a selection of styles that are personalized to each and every one of assembly88's customers. In October 2023, Santo was able to fulfill his long term goal of opening a women's store to serve a wider customer base.
"We want assembly88 to be something different." explains Santo. "Each of our customers is different. Each has their own style and heritage. We are committed to providing a wide selection of styles that are tailored to our customers. When you visit assembly88 it's not just about shopping, it's about enjoying the experience and feeling confident in your purchase."
As the son of Sicilian immigrants, Santo is no stranger to hard work. He became an expert in the menswear business on the streets of Reading and Allentown where his innovative retail understanding made him successful in locations that others dared not go.
With a strong appreciation for Allentown's history and architecture, he chose the name, assembly88, as a tribute to the original building occupant—Kramer's Music House. The number 88 is representative of the keys on pianos that Kramer built and sold.
Santo supports retailers and small businesses downtown by serving as the Chair of Downtown Allentown Business Alliance. He also serves as Vice President of Allentown City Council as well as a member of the Allentown Chamber of Commerce and the Allentown Parking Authority boards.
MEET ASHLEY
Ashley grew up in Bethlehem, but holds Allentown close to her heart as it's the place she currently calls home. When it comes to retail, she has only ever worked for small businesses in the Lehigh Valley. So running the women's side of assembly88 was an easy opportunity to say yes to! She has extensive knowledge of jewelry curation after several years with Dandelion Jewelry and loves being able to blend that experience into creating a head to toe look for our clients on the women's side.
Aside from fashion and styling, Ashley loves exploring the bar and restaurant scene downtown and all things art related. If you can't find her working in the shop, she probably snuck out to enjoy her favorite chicken sandwich from Crispy Spice Halal or mosy around the Allentown Art Museum.
Stop in and shop with her next time you're downtown!
Testimonials
See what our clients say about us. We love the fact that we could make shopping easier for this many clients.
Here's what Assembly88 enthusiasts are saying! Explore the heartfelt testimonials from our valued customers who adore our store and see why they keep coming back. Your next favorite shopping experience awaits!