This year, Joseph Orlando Clothiers hit a rare milestone for a locally owned downtown business, as it celebrated its 45-year anniversary as a premier men’s clothing destination. The store is owned by Joe Orlando, whose father, Joseph Orlando Sr., opened the namesake business in 1981 on Liberty Avenue. The store spent nearly four decades in its original location before moving to its current one on Fourth Avenue several years back and is known for its high-quality offerings and services that include custom fittings and wardrobe consultations. Orlando said as he looks to the future, he is proud to carry on the work and legacy of his father and is dedicated to remaining downtown.
Your father started the business, and you have helped lead it for many years. But was there ever a time in your life where you considered a career outside of the business? Initially, when my dad opened the business in 1981, he was 49 years old. He had worked in the clothing business for 25 years at a men’s clothing store that had many stores in Pittsburgh, but they were based out of Detroit, and when he opened, I had already had my own business for a couple years. A couple years went by, and he asked me for some help, and I would help him every other weekend. It really wasn’t a passion of mine, to be honest with you. But it was a family business. What happened is my buddy and I sold the bar that we owned probably in 1983 or 1984, and that’s when I came to work for my dad full-time. And to be truthful, I missed the other business because it was mine, and it was something I built. But my father’s an icon in the Pittsburgh clothing industry, and as time went on, he gave me more responsibility and allowed me to go on buying trips to New York, first with him and then he eventually let me go on my own. And then he started slowing down, so he gave me an opportunity to run the store along with my sister, Christi (Orlando-Marchi). There were many times where I thought, is this really what I want to do? But, honestly, over the years, I’ve developed a real passion for the clothing industry and the business. The best part about it is the customers that we meet.
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