When we moved to increasingly trendy East Passyunk Avenue four years ago,  we were delighted by the great classic shops still in the mix:    The King of Jeans.   Frankie’s on the Avenue.    Tom’s Prime Meats.

Then,  one by one,  they disappeared.

“DON’T  IT  ALWAYS  SEEM  TO  GO….”

Still,  one of our favorite storefronts – A Man’s Image – remained,  its eye-catching sign visible a block away.    And,  oh,  those windows,  lovingly updated for every occasion….

            (Windows decorated for Valentine’s Day 2016,  top and bottom left,  and an “everyday” sale window from fall,  2015.)

That’s why we mourned when the “Going Out of Business” signs appeared in March.

“…YOU  DON’T  KNOW  WHAT  YOU’VE  GOT…”

Owner Abe Mandel,  75,  started working in his dad’s South Philadelphia men’s clothing store at 7th and McKean Streets in 1956.   In 1968,  he opened his own store at 7th and Dudley Streets,  before settling at 1709 E. Passyunk Avenue.

    (“Dr. Abe” Mandel advises customers “Don’t buy clothes that you like.  Buy clothes that like you.”)

     (Abe Mandel pauses for a quick portrait.   “Do you have two minutes for a photo?”  Dave asked.  “Make it one,”  he replied as customers poured in.)

“…TIL  IT’S  GONE”

(A look across the store during a rare break in customer traffic.   Abe helps a client pick out a flattering cut.)

(Louie and Christine assist in the shoe department.)

“WE  GUARANTEE  TO  MAKE  ANYBODY  LOOK  BETTER…..”

Abe’s not kidding when he says he can gauge someone’s size,  weight and best clothing cut on the spot.   He took one look at tall,  ultra-slender Dave,  buried under a winter coat,  and handed him two pairs of pants that fit perfectly.

    

   (And, yes, you can find muted jackets,  shirts and pants at A Man’s Image,  but Abe’s not afraid of color,  whether you’re a size small or a 7X.)

“…IF  YOU  LET  US”

Need a hat,  shoes,  tie,  handkerchief or socks to complete your look?   It’s all here…

   

       (The shoe department stocks everything from Italian leather loafers to,  well,  spiked slip-ons.  Grab this pair before they’re gone.)

THANKS  FOR  THE  MEMORIES

    (Rosemary,  Christine,  Louie and Sandy at the front counter.  “A pain in the ass I may be,  but a better store you’ll never see,”  reads the sign on the cash register — next to the free lollipops.)

A Man’s Image is located at 1709 E. Passyunk Avenue,  near S. 12th Street.   Extended hours are currently Mon-Tues 9:30-6:00,  Wed 9:30-7:00,  Thurs-Fri 9:30-9:00,  and Sat 9:30-7:00,  but you might want to call first to confirm (215-755-7100).

And remember, “shop early for best selection”….