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Jan 13, 2008 10:54 pm US/Central
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Finding Minnesota: Oldest Men's Clothing Store
RED WING, Minn. (WCCO) ―
For many, a visit to Red Wing, Minn. could mean a stay at the historic St. James Hotel, but if stroll just a half block south of there and there's another rich treasure to be found: The state's oldest men's clothing store.
A creaking, squeaking floor is the sound of the footsteps of customers who've stepped across the pine planks and into Josephson's Men's Store for 130 years.
"You always place the customer first, and try do what you can to keep them happy and wanting them to come back," said former co-owner Marilyn Josephson.
Alfred Josephson was a Swedish immigrant, when he hung up his store's shingle back in 1878.
"We offer everything basically a man needs except for shoes," said Tom Withers, who now owns the store, but keeps it much as it's always been.
Original oak display cases, rich with patina, still hold racks and racks of suits, and the glass doors kept them clean.
"Every night you'd have to bring out these doors and close them in front of the merchandise, that you cover up from dust and coal dust," said Withers.
Faded ledgers, dating back to the 1800's, carefully recorded each transaction. Back then it was $13 for a suit, and shirts cost just a dollar. Now, an electronic register keeps track of purchases.
Old photographs of the store show neatly folded merchandise, stacked high to the tin ceiling. Aside from replacing gas lights with power, it still looks and feels much the same.
The philosophy of Josephson's is and has always been quite simple: Keep costs low and customer service high. It's been a philosophy that's served them well for 130 years.
Adam Rudawski chose to buy a suit here, instead of at a big box.
"It's more personal and I like that," he said.
Withers recalls the time a tourist lost his luggage and desperately needed a suit. He was up until three in the morning, tailoring it to fit.
"Any Mom and Pop-type men's store, or ladies' store, is going to give that extra mile. You're not going to find it in the department stores," he said.
And that's the legacy of "Pop" Josephson, in the store that still bears his name.
Josephson's will officially celebrate its 130th anniversary on Jan. 26.
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