Art of Aging: A family-run men’s shop serving the North Philly community for nearly 7 decades

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — If you want to look sharp, follow David Rosenblum’s fashion advice. He has been customizing men’s formal attire for decades at Leo’s Apparel in North Philadelphia.

“Leo is my father. He created the business, started it from scratch, and we built it together,” says Rosenblum.

The shop opened in 1954 and moved to its current location in the early 1960s.

“In the men’s department we have everything,” he explained. “We look after you from head to toe.”

And for nearly 30 years Rosenblum’s wife, Susan, also worked there.

“I love this business,” he said. “I like working with people.”

“This is not your normal experience shopping at our store,” added David Rosenblum. “This is an old school business.”

Now, their daughter, Samantha Rosenblum-Bell, and son-in-law, Evan Bell, are keeping those old traditions alive for generations to come.

“We literally wait for you hand and foot. We measure you. We make sure that you like your clothes,” says Rosenblum-Bell.

“Our job is to make you look better,” said his father, David.

And this grocery store will make you look like a real man.

David Rosenblum said they carried lots of designer suits, such as Ralph Lauren and Steve Harvey.

Accessories are also available in the store, so customers can purchase shirts, ties and coats, among other items.

The Rosenblums say their store also offers stylish and casual clothing. For those looking for a sporty outfit, corduroys and sweaters are available.

There is an extensive shoe department.

“We probably sold the biggest Stacy Adams shoes in town,” said David Rosenblum. “It’s very popular here.”

But her hat is the prettiest.

“We import hats – Borsalinos from Italy,” he said. “We have a very large inventory of hats.”

His daughter said Borsalino’s hat was “like a Ferrari hat”.

They carried many styles of hats, such as the open crown.

Rosenblum says customers love open crown hats because “you make your own breakthrough in them.” She says some people prefer them with a pleat down the middle, others add a pinch, or even wear an S twist.

Over the years, the Rosenblums have seen many shops come and go in town. David says he’s glad they’re sticking around.

“We are the last hat shop in Philadelphia,” he said.

“Makes me feel proud,” said his wife, Susan Rosenblum.

“I loved my grandfather and I feel like this, this is him,” said Samantha Rosenblum-Bell. “I just want to continue.”