Weisberger’s long tradition of customer service to end soon
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FOLLANSBEE -- For 130 years, stores under the Weisberger's Clothing Store banner have been dressing men for work, from suits and sports jackets to work coats and steel-toed boots.
And, Arnold Plittman and his staff at the Follansbee location have fitted many men in tuxedos and other formalwear for weddings, proms and other special occasions, providing tailoring services seldom found today.
But that will end soon as Plittman has announced he will retire following nearly 50 years with the store.
Plittman noted he had worked at two newsstands and a gift shop while studying psychology at Duquesne University before going to work part-time in 1974 and then, full-time in 1975, for his uncle, David Weisberger, the store's original owner.
Plittman said he learned much about customer service from his late uncle, who was one of five Weisberger siblings -- including Sidney, Morris, Fred and Louise -- who assisted their father, Herman, in running a chain of men's clothing stores.
The first store, opened in Mingo Junction in 1893, was followed by others in Steubenville, Wellsburg and Follansbee.
Plittman noted as World War II and military service took family members away from the business, stores closed, though a Weirton location opened in the 1950s and served the community for a time.
The Follansbee location, at 709 Main St., proved to the have the most staying power, a fact Plittman attributes to its ability to adapt to changing needs.
In addition to formalwear, the store has offered casual and sportswear and dress and tennis shoes, with a staff member available to help customers measure their feet for the best fit.
In recent years, it expanded its stock to include heavy jackets, sturdy boots and other wear needed by workers in the natural gas field and other industries.
"Every decade, it seems, you have to reinvent yourself," said Plittman.
He noted the entire upper floor was dedicated to women's clothing and accessories until 2000.
He said the decision to close wasn't spurred by a drop in business but by his own wish to retire.
Nearing age 70, he said, "I want to walk out of here. I don't want to be carried out."
Plittman said the store will remain open until its remaining merchandise is sold.
Several customers stopped in on Friday afternoon to browse through the many discounted items, with one adult recalling that he had been fitted for a blazer there as a member of the Weir High School football team.
Like such customers, Plittman said he will walk away from the store with good memories.
"I've had a wonderful relationship with a lot of customers and employees. It's never been a painful experience opening our doors each day," he said, adding, "It will feel strange not to open them."