ANTIGONISH, N.S. — A downtown Antigonish anchor is being hoisted.
Oak Manor Men’s Wear will be gradually sailing off into the sunset this summer as owner Donnie MacEachern has decided, after a lifetime of helping customers look their best, it’s time to retire.
“I purchased the store in 1963 – an estate sale,” MacEachern told the Casket June 12 from his small office in the back of the store, which sits, prominently and appropriately, at the corner of Main and College streets, in the heart of the downtown.
In 1963 … there must have been some significant changes since then?
“Just as it is,” MacEachern said to that inquiry. “Nothing, no big changes over the years.”
Stepping into the store, even just before, an immediate sense of its history washes over. And that traditional look and feel is in perfect juxtaposition to the clothing found within – the latest in fashions and popular name brands.
“The people,” MacEachern said without hesitation, when asked what he’ll miss most.
“The customers, the camaraderie, the travelers who I have met over the years … and just working,” he said.
The camaraderie, he notes, spreads beyond the customers who come in to Oak Manor to include his Main Street neighbours over the years. MacEachern said it’s unfortunate those years have seen fewer and fewer actual retail businesses in Antigonish’s downtown.
“You would like to have a variety for people,” he said. “We have people from outside of town who would always come in to shop.”
When asked about how the community has been for him and the business during its many years, MacEachern says succinctly, “It’s quite obvious … very well.”
FROM THE STORE'S WEBSITE
‘Where quality still counts’
Years of tradition with a modern twist defines Oak Manor Men’s Wear’s mantra.
Family owned and operated since 1963, Oak Manor Men’s Wear offers stylish and sophisticated clothing. Oak Manor Men’s Wear has anchored Antigonish’s vibrant downtown, and it will become your “go-to” spot for all your clothing needs.
The mission of Oak Manor Men’s Wear is simply two things: to provide excellent customer service and to provide high quality products. When entering into Oak Manor, it is like stepping through a time capsule when customer service was still important. Customers will not be inundated by nameless faces, but will be helped by family employees that are knowledgeable on all clothing inventory.
Oak Manor Men’s Wear is an iconic symbol for fine men’s clothing in Atlantic Canada. It offers quality products for both men and women. Oak Manor’s all-luxe inventory includes; Lacoste, Michael Kors, The North Face, Bugatchi, Samuelsohn and Jack Victor.
It carries everything from made-to-measure suits to rugged outdoor-wear.
Oak Manor Men’s Wear is the place where quality still counts.
