MENSWEAR SALESMAN BOB GEIGER HAS DIED

MR magazine is sad to report the loss of menswear salesman Bob Geiger who passed away peacefully on July 19 from complications of pneumonia. He was 78.

With over 47 years of experience in the wholesale clothing business, Geiger got his start in menswear in 1959 while working for Charlie Schwartz at 3G Clothing in Chicago. He then went on to work with legendary talent at Pierre Cardin. In 1973, Geiger was recognized as “Salesman of the Year” at the famed company.

Geiger also made his mark on such menswear companies as Sagner, Nino Cerutti, Hart Schaffner Max, Angels Flight and Zanella – where he worked for the last 20 years of his career. At Zanella, he was credited with designing the number one selling men’s Italian pant of all-time, the Jesse model, Zanella’s double-double pleated pant.

Besides being a top salesman and merchandiser, Geiger was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and enjoyed entertaining those around him. As a testament to his character, he was also a mentor to many young salesmen and saleswomen during his carrier, always making time for them.

Richard Potapow sums up the sentiments of many of Bob’s friends. “Bob Geiger was Webster’s definition of a friend: caring, concerned, always there for you. He and I go back to the early ‘70s: he was instrumental in me moving to California with Pierre Cardin. We also worked together at Nino Cerutti, and we remained friends after we stopped working together, speaking on the phone at least once a week, every week. He was not just a friend but also a mentor: I was a kid starting out in menswear, and he taught me so much about the business. Yes I went to FIT at night but I got my doctorate through Bob Geiger. I can’t praise him enough and I miss him terribly.”

Geiger is survived by his wife Gloria, son Philip and daughter Vicki.