For more than four decades, Cliff and Ann Powers have made sure the clothes they sold were the perfect fit.

And they were a perfect fit for downtown, too.

The store was successful because Lander’s carved out a niche and kept a loyal base of customers coming back year after year. There weren’t many big and tall shops in the region, so when the Powers found what customers wanted they admirably served their market for decades.

The Powers have outlasted their fellow clothing and shoe stores downtown as the downtown economy drastically shifted away from retail. With retirement beckoning, a buyer for the store that would allow the Powers to simply retire without continuing to have a hand in the store hasn’t materialized.

But even more costly than the loss of an identifiable part of downtown history is the loss of Cliff and Ann Powers themselves. Much like their North Main Street neighbor John Lisciandro, the Powers have long been a reliable barometer of how national and local decisions are affecting Jamestown’s small businesses. Cliff and Ann Powers weren’t the type to put out a news release about issues affecting their business, but were always willing to give an unvarnished opinion when asked. It’s a shame that more of the city’s elected officials didn’t ask their opinion over the years — they may have learned a lot.

Cliff and Ann Powers outlasted many of their peers downtown, in some cases by decades. Obviously, they had a good feel for their customers and for downtown Jamestown — and they will be missed as they head into retirement.