Harry Rosen
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Harry Rosen CM (August 27, 1931 – December 24, 2023) was the founder and executive chairman of the Canadian luxury men's wear store Harry Rosen Inc., which in 2015 was Canada's largest upscale menswear retailer.[1]
Early life[edit]
Born and raised in Toronto to a Jewish family, Rosen lived for a short time in Callander, Ontario. As a teenager, he found a job at a men's haberdashery shop. There he learned about the composition of clothing and, more importantly, about men's shopping habits.[1]
After dropping out of high school he borrowed $500 and opened a men's clothing store.[2]
Career[edit]
With help from a family friend and connections in the cloth manufacturing business, he opened Harry Rosen Inc., on February 4, 1954, in Cabbagetown, Toronto, with his brother Lou.[3]
In 2016, Rosen was presented with a Fashion Visionary Award by Fashion Group International.[3][4]
Personal life[edit]
Rosen was married to his wife, Evelyn, for over 60 years. They have 4 children and 9 grandchildren 6 great grandchildren. He died on December 24, 2023, at the age of 92,[2] and laid to rest at Pardes Shalom Cemetery in Maple, Ontario.[5]
Philanthropy[edit]
Rosen was active in the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Corporate Fund for Breast Cancer, Cancer Care Fund, Mount Sinai Friends for Life Campaign, Ryerson University board of governors, George Brown College board of governors, and the University of Western Ontario board of governors. He served a three-year term as campaign chairman for the Canadian Cancer Society, Metropolitan Toronto.
In 2004, he served on the Mount Sinai Hospital board of governors, Ryerson B.Com program in retailing advisory board, and on the cabinet of Major Individual Gifts for the United Way of Canada.
He appeared in a promotional campaign for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to promote services for those affected by addiction and mental health issues in the Toronto area.
In April 2010 he was honoured at a fundraising event for the University Health Network called "Hats Off To Harry".[6]
Awards[edit]
- 1987 — Retail Marketer of the Year by the Retail Council of Canada
- 2001 — Retail Council of Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2003 — Honorary Doctorate in Commerce, Ryerson University
- 2004 — Order of Canada[7]
- 2005 — Pitti Immagine Uomo Award from the Italian fashion community
References[edit]
- ^ a b Gilligan, Keith (November 8, 2015). "Harry Rosen talks clothing in Ajax". DurhamRegion.com. Toronto, Ontario: Metroland Media. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ a b Powell, Betsy (December 25, 2023). "Canadian clothing retailing legend Harry Rosen has died". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ a b Forani, Jonathan (October 21, 2016). "Everything's coming up Rosen: A Q&A with Toronto 'fashion visionary' Harry Rosen". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ Szklarski, Cassandra (October 20, 2016). "Harry Rosen on his keys to retail success". Orangeville.com. Metroland Media. The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ "Harry Rosen". Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel. Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
- ^ "Hats off to Harry". Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation. April 28, 2010. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ "Harry Rosen, founder of Canadian menswear chain, dies at 92". CBC News. The Canadian Press. December 25, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023.
