I have always had admiration for members of our local retail community.
It takes a special kind of person to put their time, energy and money in harm’s way in the hopes that they’ll have just the right offerings that will garner a loyal customer base and some financial success in return for their decision to pursue a dream.
Thunder Bay’s retail landscape has changed so much in the past 50 years. Consumer tastes have changed, how we buy has changed and what we wear has changed. I mean, who saw ‘Casual Friday’ coming? But a couple of men, friendly competitors and respected colleagues have done a wonderful job navigating these changes by providing personal service to those who rely on their expertise.
Jack Moro, J.B. Evans
Jack Moro’s life took a turn that he could never have dreamed of when his father-in-law asked him to give the family clothing store a try. He gave it a shot, and worked for 2 weeks to see if he liked it. That was April of 1973, and Moro has been in store ever since. J.B. Evans was originally established in 1912 and Moro is pleased to have worked and learned from some great people over the years, especially his father-in-law Jack Evans. “Jack taught me about the clothing business and serving the public, and those teachings helped guide me through”, said Moro.
Almost 52 years later, Moro has taken a semi-retired role, still working in the store part-time and he finds great pleasure in helping the 4th generation. His son Andrew is J.B. Evans’ great grandson. “Andrew became involved full time about 15 years ago, schooled himself with help from his mother Barbara & myself. Seven years ago, he signed the papers to buy the business,” Moro proudly states.
Moro says they’ve had to adjust their product mix over the years to reflect the changing customer demands.
“I have seen countless style changes; and fashion is still very exciting and inspiring to me”, says Moro.
J.B. Evans is in constant contact with their customers in the hopes of enhancing their shopping experience. Sometimes it’s a consultation on a smart wardrobe choice or helping them create an outfit for a special event.
Moro believes the most satisfying aspect of his work is when customers return and relate how pleased they were with their previous purchase.
As Jack Evans always said ‘always put yourself in the customer’s shoes’.
Moro reflects on the future this way, “I’ve been very fortunate to work in a career that I’ve loved. And now it’s exciting to watch my son Andrew bring his own personality and flair to the business. His sense of humour and the way he engages with customers, reminds me of his grandfather”, says Moro.
Jim Hupka, Mister J Men’s Fashions
When asked how it all began, Jim Hupka shares a humorous story. “I borrowed $10,000 from the bank (my father signed for it), I needed $4,400 for fixtures and $600 to live on and used $5,000 to open the store...which we’re still trying to pay off today”, laughs Hupka.
Hupka opened Mister J Men’s Fashions in 1972 in the location it still operates in today. He’s the longest tenured tenant in Centennial Square.
“We’ve always offered made to measure suits and sport coats, produced and manufactured by Canadian suppliers, rentals for weddings and special functions, with alteration and repairs by our tailor Gus of Mike’s Tailor shop, who has been our tailor for 38 years”, says Hupka.
Over the years, Hupka admits he’s done some crazy things for customers.
“I recall getting a phone call from a frantic person who had left their suit on an airplane. They needed a suit fitted and altered in 2 hours because they had nothing else to wear. They of course were elated by our ability to perform the task in time”.
Hupka was a founding member of the Fashion Senate Group, which included 14 member clothing stores from Calgary to St. John NB. This group, which still exists today, meets twice a year to discuss how to better serve and share what’s hot and what’s not.
When asked about what he has loved most about his 54 year career, he shares a few thoughts with pride.
“Lasting friendships, comradery, the joy of helping people and the pleasure to be of service.”
According to Hupka’s late father-in-law who had a men’s wear background of 37 years at Woodgate’s Men’s Wear on South May Street, his advice to Hupka when he started Mister J’s was sound. ‘You can’t be everything to everybody. Decide what you are, stay with it, pursue it’.
“We’re quality and we’re fashion and we provide as much service as we can”, says Jim.
