Try This On: Jack's Men's Wear

By Council Member Nick Komives

Suit shopping can be a challenge, but there’s one place I love in Toledo for great service and a friendly smile for all your menswear needs. I met Vivian Butts while looking through the racks of suits at Jack’s Men’s Wear, located at 3414 Dorr St. I remember the first thing she said to me, “Oh no. That color isn’t right for you. Try this on!” Naturally, she was right!

Vivian Butts, who is 80 years old and told me, “I’m not ready to sit down yet,” is one of the three owners of Jack’s Men’s Wear. Vivian is usually in the back tailoring suits for customers who have been coming here since their grandfathers were coming here. Vivian has watched Toledoans and people from all over northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan grow up during her 33 years at Jack’s. On January 1 of this year, she became part owner with her friends Tony and Don. She said she believes the community deserves this independent shop that welcomes all people to shop.

But Vivian hasn’t just worked for Jack’s for the last 33 years, she is also a retired City of Toledo employee since 2000. She did all kinds of great jobs across the various divisions of the City. She started as a Police Aide. She says that was her favorite job and she was happy that it was also the position from which she retired. She also worked in the Engineering and Construction Department, the Collins Park Water Treatment Center, and as a water meter reader.

Vivian laughed while explaining that her favorite times in the shop are with kids getting fancy for school dances. “They always think I’m not gonna get the style right, but I’ve been doing this a long time. I love it when I see their smiles when they stand in front of the mirror. I want people to look good and feel good.” And she does just that! Thanks so much, Vivian. I hope you remember all the smiles you’ve inspired. You sure inspired me.