Rothmans

Our Story

ROTHMANS


Rothmans is a unique, family-owned and operated men’s clothing business with stores in New York City, Scarsdale, and Bronxville. We are one of the largest independent men's stores in the country, finding the best designers in clothing, sportswear, shoes, and accessories. We outfit men from head to toe. Our merchandise is constantly changing, and we introduce new vendors and emerging brands, often through in-store and online pop-up shops. We feature an incredible variety of expertly curated labels and offer exceptional customer service. Our style advisors are available to make recommendations to help you select an outfit, define your personal style, or build your wardrobe. We were named by MR Magazine, the leading trade magazine in the menswear industry, as the Readers’ Choice “Top Men’s Clothing Store” in the country.

History

We never forget our history. Our founder, Harry Rothman was a retail legend. Born in 1902 on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Harry began working at a young age selling men’s clothing on the street. In 1918, Harry’s father was struck and killed by the Fifth Avenue Bus, leaving the 15-year-old boy responsible for supporting his mother and six siblings. He dropped out of school and had to get a job. It soon became clear that Harry was a remarkable salesman, so in 1926, he founded Harry Rothman’s in a tiny shop on Bleecker Street. Harry became a pioneer in the discount clothing industry by buying excess merchandise from top manufacturers, and selling them at low prices. Over the next 60 years, Harry built one of New York’s most beloved retail establishments, with its flagship located at Fifth Avenue and 18th Street. When Harry passed away in 1985 and the store closed its doors, he was remembered fondly as a generous and philanthropic man, a giant in the retail industry.

Rothmans

THE RENAISSANCE


Ken Giddon, Harry’s grandson, was trading bonds in Boston in preparation for his first year at MIT's Sloan School of Business when his parents asked that he help liquidate his ailing grandfather’s clothing store. As Ken closed up the store, he saw potential in launching a new version of Rothmans. After being closed for almost one year, Ken opened Rothmans Union Square in 1986, and was soon joined by his brother Jim. Through hard work, constant evolution, and a laser-like focus on customer service, they updated their grandfather’s store into the contemporary menswear leader it is today. Now with the 11,000 square foot flagship store at 18th Street and Park and two stores in Westchester, Rothmans is at the forefront of men's fashion in the New York area.

As we approach 100 years in business, we truly hope that Harry Rothman would be proud of our stores today. His business survived several wars and many social, economic, and political upheavals by being flexible and always providing value to the customer. We remember that, and his other constant reminder to the team: “have a sense of humor about this business. We ain’t curing any sick people, we are just selling pants.”