Rosenblum's gets reborn

The upscale clothing store creates a new feel by channeling tradition

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Rosenblum’s is returning to its roots as retailer of inspired men’s clothing and increasing its inventory scope to fit todays evolving, more casual business and social landscape.  According to co-owners Richard and Bob Rosenblum, grandsons of the original Rosenblum’s founder, the two locations will be as much about the in-store experience as it is about the clothes. Rosenblum’s will continue as the area leader in “made to measure” business- and occasion-wear, but the brothers have recognized that tastes are changing and so should their business model.

  For over 50 years Rosenblum’s included women’s fashions in their two stores. While that expansion was successful, they recognize they may have drifted out of their lane. There are many, many choices when it comes to shopping for women, but for men there are essentially two, large department stores and the internet. The goal is to be known once again as the choice for Jacksonville’s men to shop – to feel comfortable in the stores and without having to share inventory space or the expertise of the staff.  It’s certainly not an accident to time their revelation around Father’s Day, as the entire strategy really focuses on men’s clothing, fashions and, ultimately, confidence.

 “For generations, we have inspired our customers to look and feel their best for all of life’s occasions - dressy or casual, business or pleasure,” Richard Rosenblum said. “We continue to harness our passion for the right clothing and fit, to give our customers the confidence in how they look and feel when they walk out of our stores. It is in our DNA and it’s why we do what we do.” 

Each Rosenblum’s store will have a clubhouse feel with billiards table, televisions and a coffee station. They will feature special events such as scotch tastings and tailgating events.

“If our customers just come in to hang out and talk, we’re ok with that,” Rosenblum added. “It’s about providing inspiration and confidence and a sense of place for Jacksonville’s men to shop and get advice on how to dress.  I’m not sure we were able to focus on that as much when we served women, too.”

Rosenblum’s has done well to carve out its own niche in the market. By offering not only an exclusive shopping experience but a unique atmosphere that is custom-fit to a customer’s experience, the store hasn’t felt the heat online competition.  

"The internet is catching on,” Bob Rosenblum said. “Luckily for us, guys don't love the internet like women. They like the tailoring aspect to their clothes, and we offer them free, lifetime alterations on our clothes."

Despite the redirection toward men’s fashion, the store wants to emphasize that its doors will always be open to women. 

 “Our doors are certainly open to our clients’ better halves,” Richard Rosenblum said. “Come in and shoot some pool, help us pick out the wardrobe, hang out with us.  We’re not building a boy’s club, just a place for men to feel comfortable shopping.  Let’s face it, men aren’t great shoppers and our job is to be focused on them, make them comfortable and provide our expertise.  Whether he needs a business-casual ensemble, a suit for his new C-suite job, a comfortable outfit for the Club’s BBQ night or a tux for his daughter’s wedding, Rosenblum’s will once again be the destination for Jacksonville men – and their better halves – to shop.”