Harry Rosen, founder of Canadian menswear chain, dies at 92
CBC
The founder of Canadian men's clothing retailer Harry Rosen Inc. has died at 92.
Harry Rosen opened his first made-to-measure menswear store on Parliament Street in Toronto in 1954 along with his brother Lou and ran the company for 51 years until his son, Larry Rosen, became chairman and CEO in 2005.
In a statement, Larry confirmed his father's passing on Sunday, saying he "willed his business into existence one client at a time." He said Harry started "with a $500 loan and a dream."
"His passion for menswear and fashion was contagious; his ability to teach and inspire were unparalleled," the younger Rosen said.
"The team he built and the values he instilled have helped the business span across the country, three generations, and nearly 70 years. Words simply can't summarize the impact he had on us all."
An Order of Canada recipient in 2004, Rosen was involved philanthropically in the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Corporate Fund for Breast Cancer, Cancer Care Fund, Mt. Sinai Friends for Life campaign, United Way, CAMH and UHN.
While the company bearing his name was known for dressing Canada's most prominent elite in tailored suits, with 20 stores across Canada, it had expanded in recent years to include a casual wear collection.
"From day one, Harry's vision was to become a genuinely international men's boutique that exemplifies service, advice, craftsmanship, personality and individualization in clothing and accessories for men," the company's website states.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions curtailed office work and social events — significantly slowing the demand for formal wear — the company ventured to break into a new category, grooming, and expanded its athleisure offerings.
The retailer also shifted existing brick-and-mortar relationships between its staff and customers online, allowing its wardrobe consultants to curate its website for clients down to specific size and colour recommendations.
The company said two years ago that it was able to triple its e-commerce sales in 2020 — reaching its 2023 target three years early.
Rosen is survived by his wife of 68 years, Evelyn, along with four children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, a posting on the website of Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel said.
"He will be remembered for being a visionary and a true gentleman," the posting stated.
Police in Metro Vancouver are warning drivers to remain attentive, even in a self-driving vehicle, after ticketing a woman who "appeared to be literally asleep at the wheel" on Highway 1.
Some century-old churches on P.E.I. are renovating to become more accessible, which includes updates to accommodate many different kinds of needs.
Toronto police headed to school zones Monday as part of a safety blitz following March Break.
WARNING: This story details experiences at residential schools.
The N.W.T. Coroner Service has identified the Nunavut man who died in RCMP custody in Yellowknife last Thursday.
The Liberal government's nominee to be the next fiscal watchdog insists she'll run an independent and non-partisan ship — even though her candidacy has created a political rift.
Two years after Calgary city council held its longest public hearing in the city's history, another marathon session began on Monday to tackle the same contentious subject: blanket rezoning.
Quebec resident Antoine Forest was one of the pilots killed in the Sunday night crash at New York's LaGuardia airport, according to Radio-Canada sources.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's cellphone records took centre stage as the provincial legislature resumed sitting Monday for the first time since December, with the opposition accusing the premier of having something to hide.
The P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation hosted its annual heritage awards, recognizing Islanders who help maintain the island's culture and traditions.
A new independent review of Yukon’s education system is receiving pushback from advocates.
The RCMP has not recruited enough new officers or effectively assigned its members to meet its operational needs, according to a new report from the auditor general — raising concerns about public safety across the country.
Oil prices fell Monday morning after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would hold off on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure amid productive talks between the two countries.