PRESS
KARAKO SUITS –
FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
1.16.25
Cousins Moshe and Michael Karako are the force behind a third-generation/tri-state/10-store clothing business founded by their grandfather in 1982. Despite their youth, they’ve been making waves in the highly competitive volume-priced suit business. At a time when business casual still rules and most suit sales are driven by weddings and occasions, theirs is a unique, family-focused story of determination and drive.
Clearly, these two ambitious 30-something entrepreneurs learned a lot from their dads, Chaim and Ezra. At 35, Moshe is the slightly older cousin, but too young to remember the store that his grandfather (an immigrant from Turkey) opened on the lower east side in 1982. “My grandfather and my dad ran that store, then called Suits Warehouse Outlet. When my uncle dropped out of high school to join them, they opened a second store on the next corner. They’d send customers back and forth between the stores.”
The business grew slowly but surely; when they needed an additional storefront, they bought an entire building. As the Lower East Side became gentrified, they rented that storefront to Steve Madden and opened a location on Long Island. They’re about to open their 11th store.
“I think I was born in a suit,” jokes Michael. “I worked in the store as a teenager and learned so much from my dad. He’d say, ‘Never get too comfortable; keep innovating and pushing forward.’ Another gem from Ezra: Never regret mistakes; learn the lesson and move on…”
Early believers in advertising, ad dollars went from The Daily News and Newsday to radio, TV, and social media. “We also sponsored Islander games,” says Michael, “but what really put us on the map was our 3-3-3 pricing strategy: 3 suits, 3 shirts, 3 ties. Guys can buy a wardrobe for the price of one suit.” Indeed. Suits open at $140 and top out at $1,299 (in luxury fabrics from Vitale Barbares, Loro Piana and Zegna). Custom suits can run up to $5,000, even $6,000. Tuxedo rentals open at $119.
Other smart moves: partnering with Daymond John for Fubu clothing, using the tagline “Dress Like a Shark” in their marketing, adding women’s suits and using shapely female models to show off sexy pantsuits on Facebook, and ppdating technology. While many retailers find themselves over-inventoried in these unpredictable times, Karako’s technology allows them to produce goods based on actual selling.
“We’re now making decisions based on data, perhaps our smartest move of all,” says Moshe. But just as important, he continues, “We keep our people happy. Our employees have good health care, a 401K. We’re more like a family than a corporation although as we grow, we’re trying to be a little more corporate.”
“Bottom line: although we now manufacture 80 percent of our own goods, we’re able to get merchandise from local vendors as needed. As my dad often reminds me: “Always keep your door open, and never forget where you came from.”
Original Article: https://mr-mag.com/from-our-january-issue-karako-suits-from-generation-to-generation/
WOMEN WELCOME! KARAKO MENSWEAR ANNOUNCES ITS FORAY INTO WOMEN’S SUITS.
7.16.24
After just opening their 10th location in Long Island, the Karako family, with 40+ years in the menswear business, is announcing their foray into women’s suitings, both online and in all Karako locations.
“Our first Karako Women’s collection features suit separates with stretch technology in four colors: black, navy, charcoal and white,” says third generation Moshe Karako. “Sizes range from 0-24 in both pants and jackets. Pants feature an expandable waistband for versatility and comfort; prices start at a comfortable $149 retail.”
According to Moshe, Karako is one of very few menswear retailers on Long Island offering women’s suit separates. “Karako Suits is known for our unbeatable package deals; we’ll soon be offering similar deals in women’s. To add to the excitement, we’re celebrating the Grand Opening of our 10th location in Riverhead, Long Island at the Tanger Outlet. We’re taking over a 4,000 square foot space right next door to Saks Off 5th.”
Since a large percentage of male shoppers come into menswear stores with wives or girlfriends, and since female newscasters are all wearing very nice suits these days, adding some women’s seems like a wise move!
Original Article: https://mr-mag.com/women-welcome-karako-menswear-announces-its-foray-into-womens-suits/
KARAKO SUITS TEAMS UP WITH FUBU
9.14.23
In an exclusive partnership that blends decades of men’s clothing expertise with urban flair, Karako Suits has joined forces with the FUBU brand.
The collection features a full range of suits, tuxedos, sport coats, ties and accessories, merging streetwear authenticity with fine fabrics and quality craftsmanship.
Says Karako’s head designer Moshe “Sean” Karako, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Daymond from watching ‘Shark Tank’ as a kid. Now, I’m not only working side by side with him but also gaining a business partner and a friend. Daymond, Keith, J., and Carl have become family and together, we’ve infused men’s formalwear with modern and urban designs. We’re different from anything out there right now.” As Daymond John puts it, “It’s more than clothing; it’s like a canvas for showing who you are in creative ways. As we begin this journey together, who can predict the full extent of its impact? Maybe this venture will spark a shift in men’s fashion and design, welcoming a future defined by versatility and individuality.”
Since its inception in 1982, Karako Suits has been a staple in the men’s business. Starting with a single store in NYC’s Lower East Side, the company has grown to nine stores across Long Island, Queens, and New Jersey. A third-generation family enterprise, Karako Suits is now led by Moshe “Sean” Karako and Michael Karako. Under the leadership of entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star Daymond John, and founding partners Keith Perrin, Carlton Brown and J Martin Alexander, FUBU has remained a powerful force in the fashion world since 1992.
Original Article: https://mr-mag.com/karako-suits-teams-up-with-fubu/