About
There have
been some dramatic changes around Atlantic City, New Jersey in recent years,
but the Landsman store in Ventnor has been a retail landmark in the area for
over six decades.
Originally established in 1932 by William
Landsman as a general department store selling everything from clothing and
household goods to sewing notions and bedding, it is today known as Landsman
Uniforms, Inc., located at 3958 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ.
Three generations of Landsmans have
successfully adapted to the many changes in merchandising that have taken place
over the past sixty years. During the same period they have relied upon the
family tradition of attention to personal service, quality merchandise, quick
delivery and creative problem solving.
By recognizing that the emergence of the large
scale discount store would negatively impact their business in the late 1950s,
Landsman's met the changing complexion of retail sales by evolving into a
menswear shop, carrying Woolrich sweaters, athletic shoes, jeans and pants.
At about the same time, William's son, Max and
his wife Cissy, were ready to branch out and in 1962 they started Landsman
Uniforms operating out of their home. This new business venture did not stop
the busy twosome from fulfilling their job responsibilities at the department
store, nor did it hamper them in raising five children, one of whom is
presently active in the business. In fact, Janet Smith, Max and Cissy's
daughter, who runs Landsman Uniforms along with her husband,
Dennis, can remember opening packages of uniform shirts for this 'cottage"
industry at the advanced age of six.
Max and Cissy's home enterprise soon outgrew
its cramped quarters so they moved the uniform operation to the back of the
department store. The timing couldn't have been more ideal. As the menswear
business waned and the uniform business flourished, it was only natural for
Landsman Uniforms to take over the entire store. William Landsman retired at
the age of 85 and today, Landsman Uniforms continues to thrive in Atlantic County.
Our store carries a wide array of uniforms and
accessories, including police, fire, security, medical, correctional, restaurant
and career apparel. The Ventnor store's close proximity to Atlantic City
provided the Landsmans with an incredible sales opportunity with the
introduction of gambling. They cultivated the casino business and, for the past
fourteen years, have enjoyed an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship with
the casinos, supplying this industry's diverse uniform and career apparel.
Aside from the wide variety of merchandise and
many years of experience upon which to draw, Landsman Uniforms maintains its
sales advantage by offering same day alterations, on-premises monogramming, screen printing,
computerized engraving and heat sealing capabilities.
Janet Smith strongly emphasizes the importance
of having imprintable technology on hand. She says, "If I had to guess, I would
say that 9 out of every 10 garments we sell are customized in some way."
Needless to say, this in-house service is a major selling point for us, since
we can handle most custom work on a while-you-wait basis. We employ two
full-time alteration and embroidery people to accommodate the volume and can
design custom logos at the store.
"We have always prided ourselves on fast,
personalized service with the continuity of an on-premises owner who knows the
account intimately. We offer the inventory of a large business with the
personal touch of a family owned and operated establishment. It is the same
formula used by ay grandfather, father and mother and it works as well today as
it did sixty years ago."
Landsman Uniforms maintains an national 800
number in an effort to facilitate service, especially for their casino and
industrial uniform accounts.
So, 70 years and three generations later,
Landsman Uniforms has grown, changed with the times and stayed attuned to the
needs of the community around them. It is a combination that has certainly
spelled good fortune for this entrepreneurial family and one that should serve
them well for years to come.
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