This year the Silverman family proudly celebrates 90 years of retail apparel in Gainesville, beginning with my father Joe Silverman opening his first store in 1935, appealing to the men attending UF. In 1950 he opened Silverman’s The Man’s Store on West University Avenue, then in 1960 moved across the street to become Silverman’s For Men and Women, always with my mother Faye working by his side. Our reputation as the premier retail store in Gainesville was the result of my parents working diligently to establish and maintain this recognition. We stayed in that downtown location until 1989, eventually closing after my Dad unexpectedly passed away in 1986.
As a young girl growing up in Gainesville I spent many hours at our family business: it always felt as if the store was an extension of our home. Still, I never thought that my life’s path would be to keep my family’s retail legacy flourishing in our community. Now the rewards of that decision are ever more meaningful and satisfying.
I opened my first store in November 1989 as Ilene’s For Fashion in Millhopper Square, moved to the Shoppes at Thornebrook in 2003, and in 2018 opened my current larger store rebranded as Ilene’s Gator Store, facing NW 43rd Street in the front of Thornebrook. We are a fashion boutique catering to the Gator Nation with exclusive quality Gator apparel for women, men, children, plus jewelry, accessories, and gifts. I think back to my family’s earlier stores, and realize we have always catered to the needs of UF, and I am honored to continue that tradition.
I learned so much about the business of retail and life from my parents, and the Silverman philosophy of valuing all visitors, treating everyone with respect and kindness, staying true to the goal of the best customer service with the mantra of making customers happy. They always gave back to the community, making a difference to enrich our world, and I continue to do the same.
The term family business includes the great women that are our team at Ilene’s Gator Store. We are a family, and that warm feeling is generated in our store each and every day, as we often serve several generations of families who once shopped with my parents and in my earlier stores.
Alumni stop in that remember Silverman’s with fondness, share their life stories, and invariably we discover the one degree of separation that seems to now exist in our community. As football season arrives every year to signal the beginning of the ‘Gator Season’ new and returning fans find our store, smiling, hugging, and sharing a Go Gators
Chomp as they depart.
One of the unique aspects of our store is our fashion approach to Gatorwear. We offer collections of exclusive prints in different designs to suit the many needs of our Gator fans. I work with different individual designers to interpret our exclusive Gator prints in crystal designs and other unique presentations. Sizes small - 3x for women. Our men’s collection features well known designers in Gator prints, plus a variety of adorable kids apparel, infant through youth. We offer a variety of accessories to complement every outfit. Many fans refer to our store as a place full of Gator treasures or shopping in Gator heaven. One of the finest compliments we receive is when customers refer their friends and family to visit us. Or a friend will mention that when dressed in our apparel someone says “You must have purchased that at Ilene’s Gator Store”. We have established a look that is recognizable.
The digital version of Ilene’s Gator Store is accessible to the Gator Nation on our website ilenesgatorstore.com. We invite you to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Or just call us; we still have the same phone number originated by my parents.
We also feature stylish apparel by Montreal Designer Joseph Ribkoff, hosting trunk shows and offering special orders.
Ilene’s Gator Store is a welcoming place, exuding an atmosphere of positive energy and treating everyone like family. We are a community space where you not only shop but gather to share ideas, talk and visit. Just as my parents were together in their business, my husband Harvey Budd and I are partners in life and our store. We plan on growing and evolving our business as far into the future as possible, continuing the Silverman family legacy for many years to come.
Ilene Silverman. Owner
Ilene's Gator Store
2441 N.W. 43rd St., Suite 19
Gainesville, FL 32606
Tel. (352) 378-1611
Fax (352) 378-1612
Joanne and Symphany Broadie
Joanne’s ditto print damsel midi dress by Gretchen Scott is inspired by the designer’s mother’s collection of Hermes scarves! The silk like fabric features puff sleeves, shiny brass buttons, cuff and placket in the carefully designed pattern. Perfect for many Gator inspired occasions and special events. Orange/blue dangle earrings in Swarovski crystals are a perfect accent, part of our collegiate collection by Sorrelli Jewelry.
Granddaughter Symphany shows her Gator pride in the Florida sublimation tank dress by Viva La Fete, in washable fabric, with bold blue/white stripes, orange trim, and Gator bow headband. Go Gators!
Donna Cohen
The ultimate game day go-to! Show your team spirit in style with one of our exclusive collections, featuring our Daisy Dress in Gator Link print. This chic, athletic-inspired dress features bold blue and orange hues with signature gator details, perfect for cheering on the Gators! Designed with a flattering sleeveless A-line silhouette, white trim, and convenient zippered pockets, it’s as functional as it is fashionable. Proudly made in the USA by Sailor-Sailor, a woman-owned company. The clear bag features an embroidered Gatorhead, and our orange and blue jewelry add the perfect finishing touch!
Stephanie and Brian Marchman
Our Doral Dress by Katherine Way is the ultimate athleisure go-to, blending sporty function with effortless polish for the multitasking woman. This versatile shift dress with bright Gator print features flattering half-zip neckline and three quarter sleeves, making it easy to style, wherever game day takes you.
Our Horn Legend UF performance men’s pullover combines style and functionality with an intricate medallion pattern, orange/ white 1/4 zip accent, in a stretch fabric that ensures freedom of movement. The tailored fit provides a modern, comfortable fit.
Both garments feature lightweight, moisture wicking fabric, UPF 50+ sun protection.