RETAILER BRENT CAPLAN HAS DIED

MR magazine is saddened to report the passing of our good friend Brent Caplan at the age of 54. He died on Wednesday, July 4th after a 10-month battle with brain cancer and we’re certain the fireworks across the nation were a tribute to him.

Born and bred in Alexandria, Louisiana, Caplan graduated from LSU with a degree in Business Administration. He started his retail career at Maison Blanche and then joined Caplan’s, his family’s clothing and uniform business, in 1991 on its 100th anniversary. He spent his career there as merchant, manager, team leader and friend to all.

A tireless worker at everything he loved and believed in, Caplan was actively involved in numerous professional and civic organizations and boards. He was president of the Downtown Alexandria Lion’s Club, chairman of the Central Louisiana Better Business Bureau, president of the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, president of the Board of Directors of the Rapide Symphony Orchestra and many more worthy associations.

But most of all, Caplan was a devoted family man. He loved working with his parents in the business and adored spending time with his two terrific sons: Ben (19, a sophomore at LSU) and Sam (14). He cherished his wife Stacey who was by his side every minute of this most difficult past year. Among his other passions: Frank Sinatra music; Mel Brooks movies; “Star Trek”, “The West Wing”, and “Mad Men”; the New York Yankees; and making friends wherever he went. As his family noted so beautifully in his obituary, “Brent’s life was as rich in happiness and contentment as it was short in years and the blessings he received from a loving family and a congenial community were ones he passed on to everyone he met in kindness, respect and affection.”

All of us in the menswear industry who knew him agree. Says fellow retailer John Stern, “Brent was a great merchant and very perceptive re: the state of the retail industry. He was a good friend and a true Southern gentleman.” Adds David Rubin, “I always looked forward to seeing Brent during market weeks. Not only did he have that larger-than-life smile but also an uncanny sense of the best vendors.” Sums up Gary Lowy, “Brent was always a gentleman, always with a friendly word for all.”

We at MR magazine first met Brent in 1991 when we launched the magazine and he often participated in our features and retailer roundtables, adding valuable insight to business discussions. What’s more, he was always the best-dressed guy in a room full of great dressers!

In addition to his wife Stacey, sons Ben and Sam, and parents David and Norrine, Brent Caplan is survived by his two brothers Marc and Donald (Amanda), grandmother Lilian Bloomenstiel and numerous other loved ones. Funeral services are on Sunday, July 8th at Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim, 2021 Turner Street in Alexandria.

We will miss you Brent Caplan but your memory will always be a blessing to so many of us.