Threads of tradition: Isaac’s Men’s Store celebrates half a century of business

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Businesses come and go. Still, in downtown Wilmington, the owner of Isaac’s Menswear continues to go strong after celebrating a half-century of being in the same location on Front Street.

Located at 102 Front Street, Isaac’s is a constant place to go and get a new suit, jacket, or shoes.

Owner Isaac Lazar said there are several reasons his store has been able to stay open for so many years.

“The biggest secret is we are dedicated to our customers,” Lazar said. “We take care of them, we know what we’re doing, we have what it takes. People very much appreciate what we have done for them.”

For years, Lazar operated two stores, with one in Raleigh closing several years ago due to COVID-19, after more than 35 years of operations.

Isaac’s son David has seen the store grow and change, and now works alongside his father.

David said it’s amazing seeing his father work 12 to 14-hour days after all these decades.

“I’ve never seen someone work so hard in my life and I’ve done a lot of different jobs when I was younger,” David said. “It’s interesting, you see all the people, everyone comes in, they all ask for him, they know him. So, it’s really, it’s really nice to see that.”

Issac said he learned some important rules to follow as he saw stores and businesses come and go over the years.

“Any business you get into, you got to work hard,” Lazar said. “You got to put many hours, don’t take too much money out of that, you got to live within your means. You work hard, you’re going to make it.”

David said he hopes to reopen the Raleigh store one day, but for now, he’s unsure when that will be.