Members: Harry Rosen – CANADA

In 1954, 22-year-old Harry Rosen and his brother Lou scraped together $500 and bought a shop on Parliament Street, in the Cabbagetown area of Toronto.  Harry Rosen was taking on the world with his softer, natural-shoulder line of clothing and accessories.  

The brothers relocated to the financial district in 1961 to be closer to their customers.  In the face of scepticism and warnings of doom and disaster, they opened what has become the Harry Rosen trademark: a clubby men’s store with great ambiance, quality merchandise and the best service in town.  

A 40-year partnership with Reid Bell and Stan Burkhoff, creative head of Young & Rubicam at the time, put Harry Rosen on the map. Harry’s self-deprecating wit and larger-than-life personality were translated into brilliant advertising campaigns and national recognition.  

Today, Harry Rosen stores extend over 250,000 square feet of prime retail space in 15 stores in eight markets across Canada.  Harry Rosen stores feature Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Brioni, Canali, Coppley, Brunello Cucinelli,  Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Tom Ford, Loro Piana and Ermenegildo Zegna, as well as J.P.Tilford by Samuelsohn. 

Larry Rosen left a successful legal career to join the company in 1985.  After several years in senior positions, including President and COO, he took over as Chairman and CEO when Harry retired.  Together with four Vice-Presidents, he leads the Executive Management Team, with Harry in the role of Executive Chairman.   The Management Committee –  the Executive Team plus eight seasoned professionals in Human Resources, Marketing, Finance, Merchandising, Operations and Information Systems - carry out Harry’s original vision.  Their leadership supports the establishment of life-long relationships with customers, employees and vendors by investing in market research, employee training and communication systems and technology.   

As well, Harry Rosen has succeeded in raising awareness of and funds for the cause of prostate cancer research with sponsorship of the annual run “Harry’s Spring Run-Off” and several other events throughout the year.

All of this – award-winning advertising and public service, well-trained long-term sales associates, and a culture of uncompromising customer service – supports the Harry Rosen mission statement: Harry Rosen is in the business of assisting men develop a confident, personal image in all aspects of their life – any day, any time and any occasion. This is achieved by offering the ultimate in high-quality apparel, expertise, selection and unparalleled sales service.