The Happiest Store in Happy Valley

Maybe it was the perfect weather: sunshine, bright blue skies, crisp autumn breeze, leaves just starting to turn. Or perhaps it was the positive energy resonating across the gorgeous campus of Penn State University at the opening of a new school year (and football season). Or the excitement of walking into (third generation) Brian and Lisa Cohen’s beautifully merchandised 8,000 square foot store, with its knowledgeable and friendly sales associates. Whatever accounted for the magic, visiting Harpers was a delight!

The original Harpers store, first called Young Mens Shop, was founded in 1926 by Brian’s grandfather, Joseph F. Cohen, in downtown Altoona, PA. That same year, a gentleman by the name of Jack Harper opened a similar store with similar tasteful merchandise and high standards in State College, across the street from the University. The two stores eventually joined forces in State College. In 2017, Brian and Lisa expanded and moved up the block on College Avenue, and in 2019, they further expanded with Harpers Varsity Club (Penn State logo product). The store also features fabulous women’s fashion, a strong team of talented sellers and tailors, a second store on campus, a website, a magazine, and many happy shoppers!

What’s the secret to surviving for 98 years (not all of them easy ones, Brian confides)? An exceptional taste level, a willingness to take chances on new models and brands, enthusiastic sellers who work as a team (store manager Sara, super-sellers Geri, Nick, and Tyrone, operations manager Rae), and strong partnerships with key vendors. Says Fred Derring of DLS, visiting Harpers for the first time, “Brian is a great merchant. Walking into the store, I was amazed by how many different brands he carries. And how many new ones he introduces regularly. I had gone with him recently to a trendy NYC trade show where he thought the product might be too young for his stores. That said, despite some uncertainty, he tested three of the brands, and they’re already showing strong early fall sell-throughs!”

Harpers’ merchandise mix is 55 percent men’s, 25 percent Varsity Club, and 20 percent women’s. (“Had we known how successful the women’s would be, we’d have given it more space!”) Within men’s, the split is even between tailored/furnishings/custom and sportswear. Best early fall sellers include new outerwear models (field coats, chore coats); private label custom shirts; Reda lightweight wool shirts (at $350/shirt); MAC jeans; Trinity MTM clothing; FRADI Italian sportswear; fashion sport coats from TailoRed and Tallia; HSM and Jack Victor suits and sport coats. Harpers is also successful with its entry level suit package (suit, shirt, tie, alterations) at $349 that drives clothing sales in September, and has helped hundreds of students get ready for Penn State’s career fair. Brian describes online business, now 6 percent of his volume, as “tough but growing every month.”

Not crediting himself, Brian shares a success secret: “With Penn State having the largest Alumni Association in the country, alumni from all 50 states return often to the store that sold them their first interview suit. We’re part of the Penn State tradition!”

Asked what he’s learned from his father and grandfather, Brian is thoughtful. “It’s all about people–product is secondary. Both my father and grandfather emphasized community involvement–not just giving back but actively participating. Lisa and I both serve on local boards and volunteer our time to local organizations such as Meals on Wheels and the State College School District.

“I’m also very proud to further my grandfather’s legacy by continuing to present The Blanket Award, an honor nine years older than the Heisman Trophy, given annually to the most valuable senior football player at two high schools in Altoona, where my grandfather started our business.”

Looking ahead, Harpers is preparing to celebrate its 100^th year in 2026. “It will be a year-long celebration of what three generations have brought to the central PA area,” says Brian, with well-deserved pride.

Editor’s note: If you plan to visit State College, stay at the beautiful, newly renovated Nittany Lion Inn, where Harpers has just opened a smaller version of its downtown store in the hotel’s front lobby. This historic, Georgian colonial-style inn, surrounded by oak trees and a golf course, has hosted such distinguished guests as Robert Frost, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Fred Derring!