Men’s Wearhouse and Jos A Banks to Close 500 Stores

Will the Portage locations stay open? We can't guarantee it as two men's clothing stores have announced reorganization and massive closures.

The founder and face of the company, George Zimmer, was fired in 2013 and now, Men's Wearhouse is making drastic cuts to save its tailor-made clothing business. Tailord Brands, the parent company of Men's Wearhouse and Jos A Banks, expects corporate workforce reductions of 20% and plans to close 500 stores over time to combat the "unprecedented and industrywide business disruptions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic."

Known for their suits starting at $119.99, Men's Wearhouse has more than 700 stores nationwide, including 6513 S. Westnedge in Portage, across from the entrance to Crossroads Mall. Just down the road at 6800 S. Westnedge  is the Portage Jos A Banks, one of another menswear retailer's 500+ stores.

I'm no fashionista, but honestly, it's hard to tell the two stores apart. Each offers men's business suits, sport coats, shirts, pants, sweaters, outerwear, shoes and accessories. Custom advice and tailoring are a hallmark at Men's Wearhouse, but Jos A Bank's offerings are much the same in quality and in price. As much as I hate to see the area losing a business, I'm surprised these two stores have survived so close together since the 2014 merger. I'd say odds are we lose one, it not both of the clothiers. I don't like the way it looks...I guarantee it.