Jack Victor is a Canadian maker of quality men’s tailored clothing, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1913 by Jack Victor, an immigrant from Romania, as the Royal Brand Clothing Company and renamed Jack Victor and Son’s in 1949. In 2017, it has around 1,100 employees and remains a family-owned business in its third generation.
History
The first store
Jack Victor opened his first store in 1909 in La Tuque, Quebec in a hotel ground floor room. Over the next few years, branch stores were established in three other Quebec towns, Montmargny, Drummondville and Cobalt, and in Elk Lake, Ontario.
1920's to 1940's
In 1920, Jack moved to Montreal to become a salesman with the Royal Brand Clothing Company. Eventually, he became the general manager of Royal Brand Clothing and finally in 1936 was made a partner. In 1939, a coat made of a unique blend of wool, alpaca and llama hair, and featured warmth without weight was introduced to the Canadian market. The new product was well received by Canadian consumers and thousands were sold over the following years. In 1949, the company was renamed Jack Victor and Sons.
1950's to 1970's
During the 1950s, the company grew significantly. New headquarters and clothing factory were built in downtown Montreal and completed in May 1951, for the company's 40th anniversary in 1953. In 1958, Jack Victor died at age 72, and business continued under his sons Herschel and Arthur. Herschel later established the Victor Foundation. He died in 2011.
During the 1960s the company consolidated its position in the Canadian men’s clothing market adapting its manufacturing operations to the new fashion changes emanating from England's Carnaby Street. In the 1970’s, Jack Victor further expanded its production capacity and customer base. By the late 1970’s, its products had established themselves in the Canadian clothing market.
1980's and 1990's
The economic recovery of the mid-1980’s afforded Jack Victor an opening to enter the US market with its own collection especially with the introduction of Free-trade agreements of Canada. The company adapted its products to address the popular Italian style in the U.S. market. With its European-influenced styling and high-quality components and construction, the company quickly gained share in the U.S. market and opened its first U.S. sales office and showrooms in 1994. During the years 1994–2004 the company built additional manufacturing space and new production lines were created to maintain a consistent quality.
Third generation
In 2001, the company’s showrooms and offices were totally remodeled and media campaigns were introduced to build up the brand. Advertising and public relations centered around prominent sports figures helped to build momentum for the company’s products. In 2004, the company launched its collection of more progressive tailored clothing to complement a modern look for the premium market sector.
In 2013, the company celebrated its 100th year of creation. The company celebrated its centennial, launched a book called “ONE HUNDRED YEARS, JACK VICTOR, OUR STORY AND THE WORLD OF MEN’S TAILORING, 1913-2013” documenting the heritage and the achievements of the company, launched a new website and acquired a new Montreal distribution facility.
Wholesale Showrooms
The company has 2 wholesale showrooms. One is in Montreal (Canada) and one in New York City (United States). In 2016, the company renovated both showrooms and opened a new one in downtown Montreal mainly to specially show the company’s recent Jack Victor collections. The Montreal showroom is located at the corner of René Lévesque Blvd. and St. Alexandre.
In 2017, the company relocated the Jack Victor USA offices to a new midtown location, central Manhattan between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, opposite Bryant Park.
See also
- Made in Canada
- Montreal, Quebec
- Fashion
- Men's suits
- Fabrics