GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – They have served up fashion for 90 years. Ilene’s Gator Store, formerly Silverman’s, celebrated 90 years in business on Wednesday as owners at the long-time shop encouraged folks to come down and celebrate.
Iliene’s Gator Store is located in Thornebrook Shops. Ilene Silverman and her parents have owned multiple businesses in Gainesville over the decades.
She says she’s grateful for her family’s legacy.
“I see our store, I see Ilene’s Gator Store, where our party is happening, I see it as a community space. A place where everyone is welcome. Where people not only shop, but they share their ideas, they share their feelings, they share their memories, their thoughts, and that doesn’t happen so much anymore in our world. So I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to continue this journey with our community,“ said Ilene Silverman.
Wednesday night’s celebration had live music and food, including cake. Silverman prepared speeches as well.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2025 WCJB. All rights reserved.