Arnold Ackerman was introduced to the hat business at a young age. He spent many years working at his grandfathers’ cap factory. With the knowledge and experience he gained, he worked his way through the industry and became the top buyer for one of the largest headwear distributors in New York, which at the time was also one of the largest in the country. During that time, the late 60’s thru late 70’s, there were at least 300 manufacturers in the Greenwich Village area of downtown NYC alone.
By 1982 the time was right to go out on his own. The MTV generation was taking over and music and fashion became linked in a new way. Vintage styles and retro repros were in demand. With a second story loft and showroom on W. 27th Street, and tremendous support from his wife Barbara, The New York Hat Co. was formed.
