Edward Alan Big & Tall to Close Plainview Store, Sell its Inventory to Focus in Flagship Store in Commack

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PLAINVIEW, N.Y. – The decision to consolidate their business under one roof has prompted the owners of Edward Alan Big & Tall to announce the closing of their Plainview location after 17 years, co-owner Edward Schlosser said today.

“This was not an easy decision for us,” said Schlosser, who is in business with his brother, Alan. “It’s been a good 17 years. We have a lot of wonderful customers. But, the realities of positioning our company for the years ahead and dedicate the necessary resources to our Commack location required us to make this difficult choice.”

The store’s inventory sale opens to the public on Thursday. Edward Alan Big & Tall, located at 343A South Oyster Bay Road in the Plainview Centre, will be open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday during the sale

This isn’t the first time the second-generation business has evolved over its 63-year history to keep pace with consumer demands and changing economic conditions. The Schlossers’ father opened shop as an Army-Navy store before moving into the sporting goods business. The business then transitioned from regular clothing to the big and tall niche about three decades ago

“Service and selection are key in big and tall. We’re very service oriented and always have been,” Schlosser said. “When we say we’re old-fashioned retailers, we mean it. We understand our customers and their needs.”

He indicated one factor in the decision to consolidate the business at the Commack store, which is about 25 minutes from the Plainview location, is that it has been open longer.

“Our decision is certainly not unique. You’re seeing it happen with independent men’s clothing stores all across the country, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” Schlosser said. “Our customers rely on us and especially our Plainview store manager, Don Blumberg. He’s been our main person here the entire time we’ve been open and has those close relationships with so many people. They’re not only friends, they’re like family. It’s always fun to come to work when you have people you enjoy being around. That’s been the highlight of being in Plainview all these years and that’s what makes it hard to leave.”

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