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Clifford, Ann Powers Celebrate 36 Years In Business

Clifford and Ann Powers have owned and operated Lander’s Men’s Store since purchasing the business from its original owner, Jack Lander, in 1980. P-J photo by Gavin Paterniti

For the past three-and-a-half decades, visitors to Lander’s Men’s Store in downtown Jamestown have, without fail, been greeted by the friendly faces of Clifford and Ann Powers.

The pair have been operating the 215 N. Main St., men’s wear store since 1980; having purchased the business from its previous owner, Jack Lander, who founded the business in 1952.

When the store started out 65 years ago, it was a little farther north at 219 N. Main St. The couple moved the business in 1988 to its current location, and have further distinguished their operation by offering a wide selection of styles and sizes, as well as making free on-site alterations as necessary — oftentimes on the day of request.

The Powers, both of whom had been employed by the business prior to purchasing it, said they seized the opportunity to take over as new owners when Lander was ready to sell.

“We figured we’d be able to run it, and we have done it pretty well through the years,” Clifford said. “I would say we know 80 percent of the people who come through our door by name. The transition didn’t go too smoothly at first, but I had no qualms about it; even though Ann did at the time because of the amount of bills we were taking on. I haven’t really regretted it, though; it’s worked out fine. And if you turned the clock back 40 or 50 years, I’d still do it over again.”

One of the biggest challenges to overcome has been adapting to an everchanging market that has favored large department store chains, but has been less than kind to small business owners. The Powers attribute their ability to survive in this economic climate to modifying their inventory as it becomes necessary.

The store has been known for years for selling and tailoring men’s suits in a timely manner at an affordable rate. However, in the last 10-15 years, the business has also become known for renting tuxedos.

Additionally, the Powers have fairly recently expanded their inventory to include in-stock “big and tall” clothing items, which is uncommon to find in a physical store setting. Clifford said their shirts range in size from a boys 4 up to a man’s 26 neck, while pants range from a 29 waist to a 72 waist.

“We cover all sizes, and we’ve also started carrying extra-wide socks that are helpful for diabetics,” Ann said. “So we do special orders and we can get people what they want, no matter how weird it might be.”

There is also something to be said for the and family-centric model to which the Powers tightly adhere, which offered their three daughters — Cindi, Marcy and Shelly — and two granddaughters, Holly and Shawna, the opportunity to gain valuable life and customer service experience by working at the store. It’s the kind of point-of-sale experience that is becoming increasingly hard to come by in the digital age.

Clifford said said they have received lots of help to keep the business going. One item includes the removal of parking meters in downtown Jamestown in front of their business on Main Street, between Second and Third streets.

“Where else can you drive right up to the door for free and buy a suit,” he said. “That has been a really big plus for us.”

Also, he said a gracious landlord has helped the couple. He said Jamestown Saving Bank owns the building, and have been great to work with.

“They’re very pleasant people,” he said. “It takes the pressure off with them being so easy to work with.”

Lander’s Men’s Store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 483-5400.

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