PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Less than a year ago Evan Harris was furloughed from his retail job at Men’s Warehouse.
“COVID hit hard, and everybody had to go home,” Harris said.
Harris, who says he’s worked hard and been independent since the age of 19, was left wondering what’s next.
“I was working overnight. I had no clue what I was going to do at all.”
Late last summer, he decided to invest in himself and his passion for fashion. Now, at 21 years old, he owns of a menswear business in downtown Trenton, New Jersey. The grand opening, at 127 N. Broad St., was in March on his 21st birthday.
“People are loving it. There’s really no other suit store that is local for people in Trenton to get men’s clothing and shop.”
He believes his youth has benefited him, rather than hold him back. And that’s not the only thing that makes his store, Be Suited, stand out.
The store has been open and thriving for about a month. It’s one of the only local Black-owned custom menswear stores.
“I offer tailoring at the store. I also do custom. And then I do the casual clothes just to cater to everybody.”
“I have no other competition in town, so it was either me or the mall.”
He’s hoping Be Suited's success will also have a positive impact on economic development in the area.
“We’re really trying to renovate downtown, and I think that my store will help bring that value back to the city. I bring my own touch, when it comes to custom. People come to my store, they’re leaving with something that no one else has.”
Harris says he’s thankful for his experience at Men’s Warehouse, which has helped his transition from retail worker to businessman.
At a time when so many small business owners are struggling, Harris says he’s thankful to have so much support. He isn’t taking his good fortune lightly.
“Live your life to the fullest,” he said. “I’m just grateful for everything and for the store opening. It’s all a shock to me, honestly.”