Bill Mitchell describes himself two ways: “I sell socks.” And “I’m a glorified doorman.”
Sure. Just like Lionel Messi is a guy running around in shorts. And Taylor Swift is a girl with a mic.
Bill Mitchell
Here’s my description of Bill Mitchell: For decades the native Westporter has been the public face, heart and soul of a luxury men’s and women’s store that is so much more than a place to buy suits, dresses and jewelry.
Thanks in large part to Bill — with plenty of help from the ever-increasing Mitchell family — what began as a humble, 800-square foot shop has turned into an 8-store, coast-to-coast, very successful business.
He was there in 1958, when Ed and Norma Mitchell took a leap of faith and opened their first store.
He’s been there full-time since 1965 — during Mitchells’ moves first to Colonial Green, then to even larger digs much further down the Post Road.
He’s been there through boom times and recessions; through closing their boys’ department, and adding women’s clothes and jewelry. He was there, most recently, through COVID — when the bottom fell out, but Mitchells kept everyone on their payroll.
But this month, Bill Mitchell will sell his last pair of socks. He’ll stand at the front door one lsat time.
After nearly 60 years of being synonymous with Mitchells of Westport, the 80-year-old icon is retiring.
But don’t worry. His broad smile, exuberant personality and help-anyone-at-anytime spirit are not going anywhere.
“Westport is my only home,” says Bill, who — though born in a Brooklyn hospital — came here when he was 4 days old.
Echoing his friend and fellow philanthropist Paul Newman, he says, “Where else would I go?”
Bill’s Westport roots are as deep as the Gault and Tauck families — our town’s 2 other families, who founded and nurtured flourishing multi-generational businesses.
Bill Mitchell (right) and his older brother Jack.
The lessons taught by his parents Ed and Norma still guide him today.
Bill’s father opened a small men’s store in a former heating contractor’s office (today, M&T Bank’s Westport office) in 1958. He had only a desire to leave the New York advertising rat race, and the handshake promise of a loan from Westport Bank & Trust president Einar Anderson.
Ed and Norma brought their coffee pot from home every morning. Ed’s mother did the tailoring, at her Weston Road home.
The original Ed Mitchell’s, at the corner of the Post Road and Compo Road North.
At the same time, Ed gave back to the town. He chaired the Board of Finance — and helped engineer the purchase of Longshore, saving a failing private club from a developer who planned to build 180 homes there.
Bill played football, basketball and tennis at Staples. One day Albie Loeffler, his basketball coach, made him take responsibility for a transgression.
Bill never forgot that lesson, or the importance of educators. To this day he has been one of Staples High School’s biggest and most vocal boosters. He writes checks for every athletic, artistic and academic cause.
Less visible — but just as crucial — is his behind-the-scenes help. Whether an athlete needs a jacket for a banquet, an Orphenian needs a dress for a concert, a staff member needs encouragement or a student needs help with sobriety, Bill is there.
Bill Mitchell’s generosity extends far beyond Westport. He’s been a longtime benefactor of Bridgeport’s Kolbe Cathedral High School. In 2003, he posed with graduate Marques Brown.
But he never planned to be (as he calls himself) “a clothier.”
His goal was to become a sportscaster. A throat accident ended that dream.
In a way though, he never gave it up. His many good friends — and loyal customers — have included legendary broadcasters and local residents like Jim McKay, Brent Musburger, Jim Nantz and Mike Greenberg.
Bill Mitchell’s love of sports — and contacts in the sports world — are legendary. A few days ago, he arranged for his friend Carole Orland to throw out the first pitch at her beloved Fenway Park. They posed on the diamond, before the game.
Right out of college in 1965, Ed asked Bill to join the store. Reluctantly, he said he’d give it a year.
He never left.
Bill (left) and Jack Mitchell on the floor, many holiday seasons back.
“I’ve had the best seat in the house — or on the floor,” Bill says. “I’ve made and met so many friends. I’ll miss that. I love people.”
That’s an understatement too. It’s like Messi saying he loves soccer, or Taylor Swift saying she loves performing. “Love” is not a strong enough word to describe their passions.
Bill Mitchell has friends everywhere. This photo — with Westport police officer Ned Batlin — was taken at a Mitchells benefit for first responders.
It’s all about people. Bill has helped his business succeed because it’s more than just a great store.
“People don’t remember the clothes they buy,” he says. “They remember the way they were treated.”
Bill began by treating customers as friends. Today he treats their children — and grandchildren — the same way.
Those customer/friends include some of the most high-powered people in the world. Once, he and head tailor Dominick Condoleo brought new suits to Jack Welch in his Fairfield office.
“How does this look?” the GE CEO asked.
It was “99% perfect,” Bill says. “I like it,” he told Welch.
But, Condoleo told him, “There’s just a hint of ripple in the shoulder.”
Welch turned on Bill. “Don’t you ever lie to me again!” he said.
He never did.
Bill Mitchell made friends everywhere. He posed here with longtime Westport teacher (and former employee) Walt Melillo.
But boldface names are not the only customers Bill remembers.
One Christmas Eve he finally got home, exhausted after a hectic holiday season. The light on his answering machine was blinking.
A customer had forgotten to pick up a package she needed that night. She was leaving early the next morning for Vermont. Could he deliver it?
Bill did — to her home in Brookfield.
She never said thanks. But, Bill says, “I honored my parents’ legacy. They always said, ‘Say yes. Then make it happen.’ And they made it happen even when they couldn’t afford to.”
His parents’ legacy is carried on by his brother Jack; Jack’s 4 sons, and Bill’s 3. The fourth generation is now joining the business. Nothing makes Bill and Jack prouder.
Two generations of the Mitchell family. Bill is at the far right; his brother Jack is 2nd from left.
Long ago, former Board of Education chair and neighbor Leonard Rovins advised Bill to get involved in community organizations like the Library, YMCA and Playhouse.
He heeded that advice. These days, his primary board work is with Sacred Heart University. He’s immensely proud of the great strides the school has taken.
He’s proud too of his work with a variety of religious groups and figures. His parents were members of Saugatuck Congregational Church. When he was roasted at the Friars Club for his 70th birthday, an honored guest was Cardinal Dolan.
And, Bill says, The Conservative Synagogue rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn “made me an honorary Jew.”
Their friendship — which began when Mitchells lent its parking lot for overflow High Holiday parking — is real, and strong. Next month, Mitchell will join the rabbi on a trip to Israel.
Bill Mitchell with his sons (from left) Chris, Tyler and Scott.
In retirement Bill will continue his work with recovery programs like the Lighthouse in Darien, and Shatterproof. He has been sober since 1991, and speaks openly about his one-day-at-a-time journey.
Very quietly but quite effectively, Bill has sponsored many people in their own recovery work.
He also looks forward to taking one-on-one trips with his 7 grandchildren. “I’ll even be able to go at Christmas!” he says with wonder, thinking back to his busiest time of year, ever since Ed Mitchell’s opened.
Beginning next month, Mitchells of Westport will look different. Bill won’t be there at the door. He won’t be asking if you want coffee, a bagel, maybe some socks to go with that purchase.
But he’ll do the same thing his father always did: “wake up with a purpose in life.”
And he’ll be doing it for quite a while.
Ed Mitchell died 40 years after — late in life — he founded that first small store. He was 3 weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
Bill Mitchell’s many friends join me in wishing him many more years of good health and great fun — right here in the town he has always loved.
And that loves him right back.
Bill Mitchell
Wow! Congratulations Billy! What a Life and what a Legacy! You were one of my first friends in Westport and at Staples when we moved there in August of 1958! We had to play football together Not at the brand new Staples but at the old Staples on Riverside and dress out at Bedford Jr High. Great memories my friend! Enjoy those trips with your grandchildren. Love you Man!
Legend!
Woogie……he was one of the best, and this is an amazing tribute.
Now, for the rest of the story. Bill was a retreat counselor at Saugatuck Congregational Church. I remember one time we went on a retreat to upstage NY and we stayed in dorm rooms. Well there is no one more wide awake than a bunch 13-year-olds. “Mr. Mitchell” handled it with grace and kindness, never raised his voice, only an occasional eyeroll. God speed my friend.
First-class guy in so many ways.
No better example of that than the delivery he made to the woman in Brookfield, of all places, on xmas eve.
Put aside the gall of the woman to ask in the first place and the fact that she didn’t even thank him, that act alone that he performed that night sums up what he is all about.
Although, he is human, so I imagine that he allowed himself to exclaim a few choice words aloud on the car ride back home that evening! At the very least, the woman should have started a tradition that Christmas of sending Bill an annual card full of thanks and well wishes!
Enjoy the years to come and your many upcoming experiences!
I will never forget Bill’s support of me, Temple Israel or of my son, Seth, to whom Bill gave his first job as a computer graphics specialist. I hope you can finally slow down a bit, Bill. The Orkands love you!
Congratulations and Thank You!!
Thanks for being there for so many, especially for All you have done for your alma mater, Staples High School. From the Arts, to Athletics, to Education you were always there supporting SHS.
Your roll in assisting in the creation of the Staples/UConn Scholar Athlete Dinners was spectacular. especially for All those Student Athletes that were honored for so many years.
Once a Wrecker, Always a Wrecker!!
Thank you Bill, you will always be a Westport Icon because of who you are, and what you have done for our hometown.
Enjoy those Grand Children.
God Bless.
Tom Wall & Family
Not sure if I can think of another person so quietly committed to Westport than Bill. Hands down a Westport and Wrecker Block S recipient!
Never bought anything in his store but have seen him around town. You could tell he was a nice person by the way he always it seemed had a smile on his face. He would greet people with pleasant persona. Enjoy your retirement.. see you around!
I bought my first suit from Bill in 1976. Dominick tailored it. I think the whole package cost about $100.00 but it was the best investment I ever made because it came with a lifetime friendship with Bill. He spoke at my retirement party after 29 years at the YMCA. He was also there at Charlie Moffat’s memorial service. What a legacy you leave behind Bill, I’m proud to know you. I’ll see you at the Y’s 100th anniversary gala in October!
As “town fathers” go Bill Mitchell (who learned from his dad Ed and mom Norma) is the Patriarch. Certainly there are others but Bill in a class by himself. Simply the best. Nough said. Love you lots!
Truly one of the GOATs in any field. Such a good friend of ours since we walked in, newly engaged in the early 90s, and then there to help us navigate challenging times, always quietly supporting. We are also grateful for all of Bill’s work with SHU, as the boy he helped so much for the last 20 years is now enjoying those enhancements! The word legend is overused, but not in this case. A true legend for ALL that he does to make the world a better place.
I got to know Bill through officiating high school soccer games . I had the pleasure of doing games below “The Hill” for many years. When Chris and Tyler played he and a number of the dads would stand together and cheer on the team. With my good friend and fellow official , Phil Leibrock, we would often hear comments after an unfavorable call like, “ Com’on Kretsch(Leibrock) give us a break.” Or something like that. But after the game, climbing back up the hill , Bill would always reach out his hand to us and say”Thank you and you guys called a great game.”
In the years since I stopped officiating, I would on occasion stop in the store to chat with Bill. He always had such complimentary things to say about our work as officials and we laughed about the days on the Hill. Such a class act. Dan said it all so well.
I learned something from your column today. I had always thought that Bill at some point had played soccer at Staples under Albie Loeffler.
In any case, when Jeff Williamson came up with the idea in the 1990s that we should try to have the soccer field named in honor of Albie Loeffler, Bill immediately got very involved in support of that.
I remember how, notwithstanding his incredibly busy schedule, he came in person to town meetings to make statements backing the proposal—at a time when town policy had to be changed to permit the naming of a field in this manner—and even insisted on taking me to the station one night so I could catch a train back to the city in timely fashion.
Bill epitomizes the very best of Westport and has been a true role model in a variety of ways.
congratulations Bill on a life generously and lovingly lived. Remember to leave time each day for you to remain healthy so we can all celebrate your 109th birthday.
Dan wonderful piece to generous man and family to our community, and surrounding ones as well. Bill congratulations on your retirement, thank you for always giving back. Wishing great health.
Such a gentleman! Always greats me with a smile even though I rarely buy anything! Is wonderful to PINK AID and always reminds me to be thankful as a survivor.
All the best for a wonderful retirement!
The picture of Bill and Jack displaying their suits and jackets from some years ago reminds all of us of how the Mitchell family is literally and truely woven into the “fabric” of Westport. Their and Bill’s infectious joy and delight in every person, whether riding the wave or down on their luck; the smile, the sparkle in his eye, the generous hug have made so many of us feel so blessed to be in his presence and honored to be called his friend. We have been showered with blessings–a faithful servant of grace and good. Thanks be to God!
What a great story. When I was growing up in Westport we shopped for my clothes at the original store and later to its next iterations. Ed Mitchell was such a warm and friendly man. It’s no wonder that his store succeeded and grew.
When I was a 7th grader at Bedford Junior High, we all admired Bill as our star athlete and his brother Jack who was at Staples. I can remember during lunch period and watching Bill walk by as if he glowed like a star.
Bill, thank you for all that you have done to make Westport great. While you will be missed, we know you won’t be far.
The Mitchell family has always been the best! We grew up together and they have always been a class act. Enjoy your retirement!!
Back in my Staples days Ed Mitchell’s on Colonial Green was my go-to place for clothes. Bill, Matt, and Dominick took care of me and it was a great experience. Even though I was just a high school kid buying a polo shirt or pair of slacks they treated me like I was special.
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful human being!
Bill, there are no words in the English language, adequate enough to tell you how much you’ve meant to me and always will! I am so grateful for all the years of knowing you at Mitchell’s; how your smiling face, your friendly demeanor was always uplifting and of course, I’ll always cherish shared ‘love’, perhaps obsession with the UCONN men and women!!!
Wish you only the best!
Anita
Bill has been a wonderful friend to my family for the past 10 years. When my Dad was visiting from Atlanta & had to go to Greenwich Hospital, Bill came to visit him. He had only met my Dad one time, yet he came to the hospital to visit him!
My family turned Bill into a University of GA football fan, & he always texts me during the games after an exciting play. That’s the kind of friend he is!
Bill is the heart & soul of Mitchell’s! It will not be the same without his smiling face to greet everyone at the door!
He makes everyone feel so special!
Bill is a true gentleman!
I feel very blessed & honored to call him my dear friend!
Great story, Dan, about such a great guy!!!
I worked for Ed Mitchell’s the fall, spring and summer of ’65 & ’66 after I broke my collar bone and could not play Staples soccer. What a special family and Billy (always have called him that?) was in constant motion and maybe the best salesman I have ever seen. Jack was a stockbroker and not involved in the operations then when they were located in Colonial Green. I was a lowly stock boy but they brought me up on the floor to sell on Saturdays. Best job I ever had as I had to wait on whomever walked through the door. Paul Newman was such a case although Ed took that client over. Very family friendly store and Billy let me drive his brand new Chevy Chevelle for errands. A fine tribute, Professor, to just a wonderful man. I am proud to call him a friend to this day.
You are an amazing man your whole life was about love of family and friends that were more like family then friends with everyone you are like a brother from a different mother I wish you a very happy and healthy retirement God bless you my dear friend ❤️🙏❤️
Jim Corridon
This article states that Ed Mitchell opened his first store in 1958.
I don’t think that that is correct… I remember as a boy of 10 my
My father took me to Ed Mitchell’s in 1945 and I
came out with a new yellow bathing suit…It was a small store and it seemed like the only clothing store in Westport…I’m going to research this and get back to Dan Woog with an apology if I’m wrong…I was in Bill Mitchell’s store last week and he didn’t mention he was retiring…I wish Bill a long and happy retirement!
Sorry, Jim.
It’s 1958 according to Bill, and their entire history in their brochures, on their website, and everywhere else.
Trust me on this.
Dan great article as always, but I have to state I feel this article is way off base. Not on the amazing person Bill is, or all his philanthropic contributions to those in and around the community. The part which I don’t believe or comprehend is the part about Bill, or as I lovingly call him, Big Bill, is that he is retiring. He retired about 15 years ago and we see how he spent his first retirement? Still greeting and serving people everyday. So while he may not be there everyday, I expect on any given day Bill and his great big smile will be welcoming people to the store trying to sell them a pair of socks. True Legend!