REST IN PEACE HARRY ROSEN: VISIONARY, PHILANTHROPIST, FRIEND

Legendary merchant Harry Rosen died in Toronto on Christmas Eve at age 92. The menswear world has lost a guiding light, a true gentleman, a charismatic and compassionate soul. His was, by all accounts, a life well lived.

Who knows whether Harry was a born merchant or self-taught out of economic necessity and an ever-inquisitive mind? A son of Polish immigrants, he grew up in downtown Toronto and dropped out of high school in 11th grade. According to past interviews in the Toronto Star, Harry worked odd jobs at Tip Top Tailors, pestering employees to teach him the machines. He mastered buttonholes and pressing; he was especially proud of his facility on a sewing machine. In 1954, with his younger brother Lou, Harry took out a $500 loan to open his first custom clothing shop on Parliament Street. With limited finances, the brothers filled the shelves with empty boxes and bolts of fabric borrowed from a supplier. Harry ran his namesake shop (which evolved into what is arguably the most respected menswear store in the world) for 50+ years; his son Larry took over in 2005 as chairman and CEO.

As Larry puts it, “Harry willed this business into existence one client at a time, starting with a $500 loan and a dream. His passion for menswear and fashion was contagious, and his ability to teach and inspire was unparalleled. The team he built and the values he instilled have helped the business grow across the country for three generations, nearly 70 years. Words simply cannot summarize the impact he had on us all.”

In addition to being a risk taker, discovering new luxury brands and building them to new heights, Harry was famous for his clever marketing. His ‘Ask Harry’ ads, launched in 1962, responded to men’s questions about what to wear and how to wear it. They have been widely imitated but never duplicated, as who could match Harry’s intrinsic wisdom and sense of humor? (It is said that he once posed for an ad wearing nothing but a very long and rather wide necktie.)

In addition to his merchandising and marketing talent, Harry’s secret sauce was an ability to connect with people, all kinds of people, based on his genuine interest in what makes people tick. What made Harry tick (in addition to building the finest men’s store in the world, now comprising 19 stores, five outlet stores, and a healthy online business) was several non-merchandising passions: running marathons, playing banjo and mandolin, reading history, debating philosophy, and traveling the globe. The list of causes to which he generously contributed includes the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Corporate Fund for Breast Cancer, United Way, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Cancer Care Fund, Mt Sinai Friends for Life, and many others. Harry received the Order of Canada in 2004, high recognition for which he was extremely proud.

Says close friend Jack Mitchell of Mitchell Stores, “I met Harry in the late 1960s when we were both on the board of Menswear Retailers of America. We became instant friends and visited each other’s stores. At the time, Mitchells was one small store in Westport Ct.; I recall being with Harry when he opened a magnificent five-story flagship on Bloor Street in Toronto selling Armani, Zegna, Canali… Amazing! When he came to our store, we were selling American product: Arrow shirts, Doncaster coats, J. Schoeneman suits. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Jack, your customers are buying Italian clothing elsewhere, some of it likely from us…” So next market, our men’s buyers and I met Harry in Italy. We made the switch to Italian clothing and the rest is history! Thanks to Harry, we also joined IMG (International Menswear Group), sharing thoughts about luxury product and running a family business. Both Mitchells and Harry Rosen are now owned and led by third and fourth-generation merchants, still listening, still growing, still having fun sharing ideas.”

Adds Mitchells Co-CEO Bob Mitchell, “Harry was the ultimate old-school merchant. He loved product and people. I learned so much from traveling with him in Italy. He was always a gentleman, respected by all.”

Observes menswear designer Arnold Silverstone, “Harry came from the Golden Era of innovative menswear merchants with true character and larger-than-life personalities. He was honest and hard-working, with the highest standards of quality, never accepting second best. He was a little older than my dad and was a mentor to us both, always taking the time to offer help and give advice. His handshake was his word. He became larger than life not just for his business acumen but also for his charity work. He has buildings named after him and deservedly so. He was a family man and a true mensch. His legacy now continues through Larry, Ian, and Graham.”

With the news of Harry’s passing, former Harry Rosen VP Jeff Farbstein has been inundated with calls and texts from friends and companies all over the world. “It’s the end of an era,” says Farbstein. “So many memories and so emotional. I guess what stands out for me about Harry is his inherent humility. He taught me to love clothing and to look for opportunities. To value relationships, inside the company and out. He taught me that the customer decides when a trend is over, not the retailer. He taught me to be accountable, and to always remain humble.”

Harry is survived by his adored wife Evelyn, four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. May his memory continue to inspire them, and make them smile.