When Ben Douglas completed his military service in 1946, he envisioned more than just a return to civilian life—he wanted to start a business creating practical, durable and stylish garments, such as flight jackets and furs. His company, Douglas Furs, quickly became renowned for innovation and craftsmanship. Douglas went on to serve as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, twice and left such an enduring mark with his business and public service contributions that Douglas International Airport bears his name.

Today, Gregory Albert, who owns Douglas Furs, is the fifth generation in the fur business and has continued to uphold the company’s tradition of excellence while introducing modern innovations to meet the needs of contemporary customers.

Douglas Furs has the largest selection of new and pre-owned furs in the Carolinas, a testament to its long-standing reputation and quality. Each year, the company visits Charleston to partner with Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, showcasing new furs and offering complimentary pickup and delivery for a range of services including storage, cleaning, appraisals, repairs and more.

“People often need guidance on what to do with their furs, especially those moving to Charleston,” Albert says. “During our spring visits, we notify our customers and Gwynn’s customers about our complimentary fur storage pickup service. We pick them up at Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant and take them back to Charlotte in our humidity and climate-controlled vault, which is 45 to 52 degrees. Furs require careful storage to keep them from drying out and to protect them from insect damage. It also safeguards them from theft while they’re not in use.”

In addition to storage, Douglas Furs offers comprehensive services, including cleaning, conditioning, appraisals, repairs and fashion updates. Albert and his team return in the fall to drop off stored garments and present the latest seasonal styles in fur and cashmere. The company’s 13-year collaboration with Gwynn’s has been very successful, and Albert praises the team there, as well as the convenience and accessibility of the store’s location. “Gwynn’s has free parking right outside the front door and that’s a huge benefit,” he says. “Especially for clients who might find it challenging to navigate downtown parking and carry multiple garments several blocks.”

Beyond furs, the company is renowned for its fine cashmere and wool garments. Albert highlights a common challenge in finding high-quality cashmere. “It’s hard to find a nice cashmere coat or jacket in a store,” he says. “We offer custom-made options using Loro Piana cashmere fabric from Italy. Clients can choose the colors and styles that suit their preferences, and we’ll make it in-house.” This bespoke service ensures that customers receive garments tailored to their exact specifications, a rare offering in today’s retail landscape.

Another of the standout services offered by Douglas Furs is the transformation of older or outdated garments. “For example, if you have an heirloom stole that you don’t like or is outdated, we can repurpose it into something new,” Albert explains. “We can make many things, like reversible jackets, vests, capes, throws, pillows or even teddy bears.” This creative approach breathes new life into cherished pieces and allows clients to retain sentimental value while updating their wardrobes.

The experts at Douglas Furs can also rework an existing fur by shearing it to reduce bulk, update the style and create a more modern look. This service is ideal for clients who want to maintain their fur’s sentimental value while recycling, reusing and adapting its style to contemporary tastes. Additionally, if a garment lacks enough fur to be transformed into a complete piece, Douglas Furs can combine it with cashmere elements to create a new, unique garment.

Albert emphasizes the importance of educating clients about fur care and the potential for garment transformation. “Many people are unaware of what can be done with their furs. Often, they just hang them in the closet where they’re vulnerable,” he says. “We want to educate people about the vast possibilities for reusing and refreshing fur garments.”

Albert is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Ben Douglas and the tradition of excellence that has defined Douglas Furs. “We pride ourselves on our customer service,” he says. “Nobody works on commission here, so we’re never pushy. Our goal is to educate and help our clients. With proper care, a fur can last 70 to 80 years or more.”

Douglas Furs continues to be a beacon of craftsmanship and customer care, honoring its storied past while embracing modern innovations.

Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.