Mickey’s Men’s Store celebrates 50 years of business

Mickey’s Men’s Store, located on East High Street, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Its history began in 1967, when Dominick “Mickey” Bruno started the store on 8 West High Street, across the street from its current location.

“At that time, [the store] was primarily dress clothing: suits, sport coats, dress hats, ties, shirts, that type of thing,” said Victoria Bruno, Mickey’s daughter, who is currently the president of Mickey’s Men’s Store.

In 1980, the store moved to its current location, which at one time, was the Army and Navy Ross Men’s store. After that store went out of business, Mickey Bruno purchased and remodeled the storefront, continued to sell dress clothing but also expanded his inventory by adding work clothing, such as work boots.

When Mickey passed away in 2004, he left the store to his son, John, who, along with Victoria, continued to run the Mickey’s Men’s Store.

“In order to continue staying in business, you have to change with the times,” said Victoria Bruno. “So we extended our line of work clothing to flame resistant clothing, which was what they needed.”

In recent years, the store has started to phase out its dress clothing, as it does not carry suits or sports coats anymore. Mickey’s Men’s Store still sells some dress shorts, dress pants, and ties.

“Our focus today is mainly on the working man,” said Victoria Bruno.

This past January John Bruno retired, making Victoria the sole owner of the store now. Victoria’s younger brother, Kerry Bruno, has joined his sister and is now working at the store.

Others who are currently working at the store include Kelly Dulaney, who has been with the store for 15 years, and Sandi King, who works part time.

To coincide with the anniversary, Victoria Bruno plans on hosting special events throughout the year.

“I’m going to run some [events],” said Victoria Bruno. “Some promotions, some sales. I’ve just been waiting until the weather warms up a little bit, and we can get some things going.”

Specifically, these events will include specials on Carhartt items, such as a two for $50 deal on Carhartt Blue Jeans.

Mickey’s Men’s Store has had a large impact on the Bruno family. John Bruno graduated from Waynesburg with an accounting degree, Victoria with a teaching degree, and Kerry with a Visual Communications degree. Through the years, the store has been a constant staple.

“I like being here,” Victoria Bruno stated. “[The store] is a family tradition. Even though my dad put me through school to be a teacher, when he passed away, he left the store to my brother and me. This is where he wanted me, so that’s where I am. I hope to be here a lot longer.”

Not only has Mickey’s Men’s Store been a constant for the Bruno family, but it has also been a staple of the community.

“There are some people who are adults now who remember coming in [the store] when they were teenagers,” said Victoria Bruno. “The media has known about our 50th anniversary this year. They have been very supportive of giving us recognition.”

Overall, Victoria Bruno is proud of what this store has accomplished over the past half century.

“We must be doing something right to be around this long.”