Diaz Men’s Wear store is retiring after nearly 40 years with its business in San Jose.
Alfredo Díaz, owner of the establishment, assured that he has been compensated for his commitment to the city center with good clients, many loyal and other famous ones, such as the boxer Leon Spinx, the actor Charles Bronson and James Brown.
The business opened its doors in 1985 and since that time many have come to buy hats.
“You have a whole variety of hats. Felt hats, panama hats, derbies,” said Christian Alonzo, customer.
Over the past four decades, this business has survived theft, vandalism and several recessions. Other businesses have not had the same success.
“We have looked at quite a few businesses that come and sustain the business, and they have to leave. Many times they lose their savings, and that is sad,” Alfredo said.
Alfredo indicated that he has a secret to success.
“The secret has been working, and having a wife like her who has put up with me all the time,” he added.
And staying afloat, he indicated, goes beyond what he sells.
From giving a couple of dollars to homeless people outside your business, to helping other customers pay their utility bills or even filling out job applications.
“If you give good customer service, they come back. More than anything it has been the clients, and our efforts as well,” Alfredo emphasized.
Alfrefo arrived in San José de México in 1975, and said he fell in love with the city center.
He invested all his savings in this store, and now after almost 40 years, he has decided to retire.
Although it is bittersweet, he said that as an immigrant, he managed to fulfill his American dream, and can retire the way he wants.
“It’s going to be difficult, yes it’s going to be difficult, but at the same time it’s going to be a new episode in my life,” Alfredo pointed out.
