These Boots Made For Walking – Lamont, On Campaign Trail, Visits Jimmy’s, Downtown’s Cool Swag Treasure

Jimmy’s (Jimmy’s Army/Navy from my youth) combines throwback fashion goodness with modern streetwear party appeal. Throw a Halloween party? Jimmy’s. Host a Super Bowl event? Jimmy’s. Star-spangled July 4th? Jimmy’s. Political party? Yup, Jimmy’s.

This place is swag city.

So, when a media-alert attendance from Governor Ned Lamont’s reelection campaign, in advance of the August 11 Democratic primary, hit my inbox, time for a Friday show up. Anything to connect my childhood with adulthood at 1000 Main Street, a 10-minute walk for me from my new home, The August, Steelpointe Harbor, just across the Pequonnock River.

Jimmy’s been in business for more than 100 years, led by the Schneider family, now under the tutelage of Dave. When I was a kid, his pop was in charge.

These things bring added value. State Rep. Antonio Felipe whose district includes Downtown (Yes, I uppercase Downtown, it’s a neighborhood!) on hand who suggested the guv engage a growing  Bridgeport dynamic of entertainment, restaurants and housing.

Developer Niels Heilmann gave us an update on his ongoing restoration of the original Connecticut Post building, an architectural gem, a stone’s throw away for a much-needed boutique hotel, anticipated opening back-end of 2027. Kudos to Niels.

Around 3:30 p.m. the governor greets an awaiting assemblage outside, including Dave Schneider and Mayor Joe Ganim.

“Hello guv,” I say.

“Hey, Lennie, how’s Joe doing?’

“Well, governor, I’ve had 40 years of Joe.”

“That’s a lot of Joe,” he replies.

“Yeah” says Joe. “Still here!”

Dave Schneider provides the governor a quick take on the store’s history, including swag presentation of Connecticut’s former major league sports franchise, the Hartford Whalers. The mayor is presented the latest BPT cap.

We all move inside.

This place is a shrine for marrying the past and future: street cred attire, uniforms, party outfits. If they don’t have want you want, they order it, or design it.

We all huddle around the boots corner.

“What’s the biggest seller?” Ganim asks Schneider.

Timberlands, that range in price price from $85 to $200.

“In Greenwich, they’re $400,” says Joe.

“On sale,” adds Ned.

That’s the thing about primaries.

It’s all about boots on the ground, no matter what they cost.