Eraldi's is ‘Business of the Year’

Eraldi’s Shoes & Men’s Wear, third-generation business that has been a cornerstone of the Sonoma Plaza shopping district for nearly 90 years, has been named the 2011 Sonoma Valley Business of the Year.

The annual Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce award will be presented to Don Eraldi and his son Dan at an October 14 luncheon.

The award, said Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Yankovich, recognizes the Eraldi family’s continued tradition of industry excellence and community contributions.
Carrying on the tradition of customer service excellence started by patriarch David Eraldi in 1922, the store continues to provide old fashioned and personalized customer service and an exceptional inventory of high-quality men’s wear.

From generations of Sonoma ranching families to week-end residents and occasional visitors, Eraldi’s is known for stocking everything from hunting and sports clothes, wine country fashion, basic jeans and work boots and even tuxedo rentals.

Eraldi’s has also been a business that supports community and particularly local sports leagues for more than 60 years. The family played a lead role in raising the funds needed to purchase the land and build Arnold Field, Sonoma’s first central playing field.

“Most of us growing up in Sonoma remember the in-store tuxedo fittings of family members or dates for big events like proms and weddings,” Yankovich said. “From the familiar scent of leather, the greeting of long-time employee, Cora Dunham, Eraldi’s exemplifies the high quality of life that we enjoy in Sonoma.”