Harry Rosen, the founder of Canadian men’s clothing retailer Harry Rosen Inc., passed away at the age of 92. He opened his first made-to-measure menswear store in Toronto in 1954 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 Rosen confirmed his father’s passing on Dec. 24, describing how Harry Rosen started the business “with a $500 loan and a dream.” He praised his father’s passion and ability to build a successful business, stating that “words simply can’t summarize the impact he had on us all.” Harry Rosen received the Order of Canada in 2004 and was involved in various philanthropic organizations.
The company, known for dressing Canada’s elite in tailored suits, expanded its collection to include casual wear and ventured into grooming and athleisure during the COVID-19 pandemic. It enhanced its online presence, allowing staff to curate the website for specific size and color recommendations. These efforts led to a successful increase in e-commerce sales.
Harry Rosen is survived by his wife, Evelyn, four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a visionary and a gentleman.