All Of It with Alison Stewart
Episode: Remembering Barney's with Former CEO Gene Pressman
Date: September 8, 2025
Guest: Gene Pressman, former co-CEO of Barney’s and author of They All Came to Barney’s: A Personal History of the World’s Greatest Store
Overview
This episode of All Of It dives deep into the story of Barney’s New York, once a “cathedral of cool” in New York's fashion scene, as recounted by Gene Pressman, the grandson of founder Barney Pressman. Gene discusses his new memoir, the family business, the culture-shaping legacy of Barney’s, and its enduring impact on New York and the fashion world. The conversation is interwoven with personal anecdotes, callers’ cherished memories, and reflections on both the creative and business aspects that set Barney's apart.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Why Now? Setting the Record Straight
[02:11] Gene Pressman:
- Felt compelled to “set the record straight,” addressing myths and folklore about Barney's.
- Wrote with an aim to separate himself from the narrative, to view it through a reader’s eyes.
- Stresses Barney’s as a quintessential New York, family, and creative story, especially vibrant during the '60s–'80s.
- Shares color about the changing city—how downtown neighborhoods “didn’t exist” in their current creative forms years ago.
Quote:
“Some of it was true and some of it was folklore and some of it was faults. And I just felt that I wanted to set the record straight...I was lucky enough to live that story. I mean, it really is a good story in so many ways. It's a New York story. It's a family story. It's a creative story.” — Gene Pressman [02:11]
2. Specialty Store, Not a Department Store
[03:53] Gene Pressman:
- Explains that Barney’s roots as a men’s specialty store defined its ethos.
- Though as large as a department store, Barney’s “had the mentality of a smaller store.”
- Describes a philosophy where “the accountants stayed in the back” and creativity was prioritized.
- The approach to customers: “never give the customer what they want because they don’t know what they want; they want you to show them.”
Quote:
“We wanted to make sure that it was very creative. It changed a lot, that the accountants stayed in the back rooms and that the creatives were out front.” — Gene Pressman [03:53]
3. Writing the Memoir: Reflection and Reality
[05:23] Gene Pressman:
- Collaborated with Matthew Schneier, food critic, to maintain discipline and authenticity in writing.
- Writing the book was “an outer mind, out of body experience,” pushing him to be real and non-embellished.
- Realized, in retrospect, the scale and analytic depth required to recount the Barney’s journey.
Quote:
“I was very proud of what my family did...and when you're writing a book, you really...you're just sort of self analyzing and self analyzing and the written words a lot different than a speaking word.” — Gene Pressman [06:43]
4. Memorable Customer Stories & Business Credos
[07:35] David (Caller from Brooklyn):
- Recalls as a teen being steered by Barney himself toward sensible suits, not expensive ones, even though price wasn’t an issue.
- Barney insisted on “no bunk, no junk” — an honest, value-focused approach.
Gene’s Reflection:
- Barney’s long-term thinking: focus on customer loyalty from youth to adulthood.
- “Select, don’t settle”—it’s about value, not price; the shopping experience matters.
Quote:
“The credo was select, don't settle. And that means a lot of things, but it's about giving the customer value. And value doesn't mean it has to be cheap. It can be expensive if it's worth it. And the shopping experience is very good.” — Gene Pressman [09:34]
5. The Role of Family: Bertha Pressman
[09:58] Gene Pressman:
- Bertha, Gene’s grandmother, was a formidable presence—contrasting Barney’s tough persona.
- Handwrote customer names, enforced browsing rules, and wore “incredible jewels” with navy sunglasses in the store.
- Embedded a personal, almost ritualistic touch to the shopping experience.
Quote:
“She would handwrite, you know, everybody's name, and she wouldn't let any customer browse in the store. They had to sit in the chair and then be introduced by a salesperson.” — Gene Pressman [10:04]
6. Barney’s as Part of New York Culture
[13:54] Gene Pressman:
- Customers called to share memories of formative experiences—buying special suits, discovering fashion inspirations, memorable first purchases.
- Barney’s as a cultural “touchstone,” not just a retail space, but a social and creative hub.
- Created environments where people met, connected, and even found love.
- Food, art, and fashion intersected under one roof.
Quote:
“We tried to make Barney's more than a store. I mean, it was...part of the culture of New York. It influenced culture and culture influenced it.” — Gene Pressman [13:54]
7. Making Barney’s "Cool" – Creative Process
[15:48] Gene Pressman:
- Gene’s experiences in Europe shaped his vision—fusing European sophistication with American creativity and freedom.
- “Cool” wasn’t something they chased, but a byproduct of “building relevancy.”
- Vintage “Barney’s label” garments remain in demand, seen as timeless.
Quote:
“Cool is not something that you chase...If something becomes relevant, then maybe it'll become cool. I think a lot of people chase cool too hard. And if it does become cool, it lasts for like five minutes. And what we try to do is build something to last.” — Gene Pressman [15:48]
8. Personal Touches and Lasting Impressions
[19:44] Jane (Caller):
- Shares the glamorous experience of buying a special birthday dress, getting style advice from Kyle MacLachlan, and being treated by staff to complementary makeup—showcasing the luxurious and personal service.
- Many callers keep and cherish their Barney's pieces decades later.
9. The Legendary Warehouse Sale
[21:15] Deborah (Caller from Hudson Valley):
- The annual Labor Day warehouse sale was a huge New York tradition.
- Shoppers lined up for hours; a “feeding frenzy” of beautiful, discounted goods.
- Women’s ingenuity: buying boys’ and men’s items for fit or value.
Quote:
“The women that came in to buy at the warehouse sale, they were insane. They would come in and they'd be wearing leotards, and they would just strip everything else off. And all the guys were in there were, like, in shock...” — Gene Pressman [22:21]
10. Fashion, Community, and Advocacy
[23:38] Alison Stewart / Gene Pressman:
- Discussed the pivotal AIDS benefit at Barney’s for St. Vincent’s—raised significant funds awkwardly at a time of little public response.
- Linked connections between the art and fashion worlds (iconic denim jackets by designers and artists, worn by stars and auctioned for charity).
- Reflected both pain and pride in supporting the community through a dark time.
Quote:
“We just felt that...really was our sort of obligation and to take a leadership role. I think we were the first retailer to have this benefit...It was a fun event. In spite of the sadness. I think everybody forgot themselves a little bit during that time. And it was. It was really one of the special events.” — Gene Pressman [23:59]
11. The Road to Bankruptcy and Changing Times
[25:51] Gene Pressman:
- “There wasn’t one thing” that led to bankruptcy; instead, a mix of overexpansion, recession, and complex business partnerships.
- Japanese investment helped insulate them until broader economic troubles caught up.
- Family left the business in 1998; multiple owners, but eventually “saw its demise...in 2020.”
12. Notable Moments and Final Memories
- Callers relayed stories of first jobs, family shopping excursions, and the “education” they received from Barney’s personal shoppers—including a sweet anecdote involving Joan Rivers treating her niece.
- The store lingers in memory—callers still have their Barney’s bags and treasured purchases.
Quote:
“We tried to make Barney's more than a store...You know, I was very proud of that.” — Gene Pressman [13:54]
Notable Quotes
-
“You need to build relevancy. If something becomes relevant, then maybe it'll become cool.”
— Gene Pressman [15:48] -
“The shopping experience is very good.”
— Gene Pressman [09:34] -
“My grandfather was clever because he thought long term and he wanted to keep this customer, David, right when he came in the shop, he was a young guy and hopefully we kept him to when he grew up and even when his children came to Barney.”
— Gene Pressman [08:54]
Important Timestamps
- [02:11] — Why Gene Pressman chose now to write the book
- [03:53] — What made Barney’s a specialty store
- [05:23] — Challenges and fun in writing the memoir
- [07:35] — First caller shares his Barney story (discounted suit for high holidays)
- [09:58] — The role of Bertha Pressman
- [13:54] — Barney’s influence on New York and fashion culture
- [15:48] — Gene’s international influences and the pursuit of “cool”
- [21:15] — The legend of the warehouse sale
- [23:38] — Hosting pivotal AIDS/HIV benefit at Barney’s
- [25:51] — Gene’s reflections on bankruptcy and the store’s end
Tone and Takeaways
The episode is nostalgic yet candid, with Gene Pressman’s warmth, humor, and admiration for both his family and the city of New York shining through. Callers reinforce the emotional connection customers had to Barney’s: it was a place for discovery, aspiration, and unforgettable human moments. The story of Barney’s, as told here, is not just about high fashion but about a sense of belonging, creative leadership, and the living, breathing spirit of New York.