Uniforms might not be the most exciting topic, but at Lewis Uniform Company, located in Syracuse, New York, they’ve managed to inject personality and community into the business. This isn’t your typical, sterile retail experience. Stepping into Lewis Uniform is like entering a friendly neighborhood hub, complete with resident pets and a welcoming atmosphere fostered by owner Betty Wiese and her team. Customers often find themselves lingering, drawn into conversations with staff and fellow shoppers alike, turning a quick errand into an engaging visit.
The story of Lewis Uniform is deeply rooted in genuine care, both figuratively and literally. Betty Wiese’s journey to ownership began unexpectedly when the previous owner, Stuart Krupkin, faced a medical emergency. “I took him to the hospital and then drove to the store,” Wiese recalls. “I sat there and asked myself, ‘What in the world do I do now?’ I couldn’t let my friend lose his life’s work, so I made some phone calls and learned the business… quickly.” This dedication and loyalty extended beyond Wiese, as suppliers continued to ship goods during this uncertain period, trusting in her commitment even when payments were delayed.
Wiese’s connection to Krupkin and the business ran deep. She had joined Lewis Uniform part-time as a tailor in 1991, years before Krupkin’s health crisis. However, it was during that challenging time in 1998 that she truly grasped the family-like spirit of the company. Transitioning to full-time manager, she eventually purchased the business when Krupkin decided to retire, ensuring its legacy would continue.
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Alt text: Lewis Uniform Company storefront in Syracuse, NY, showcasing signage and entrance.
Lewis Uniform’s history dates back to 1957 when Stuart Krupkin established it as a department within his father’s haberdashery. Initially, the focus was on providing uniforms to police and military personnel in Upstate New York. In 1964, the business expanded, relocating to Syracuse and broadening its customer base to include fire departments, customs and immigration officials, and postal workers.
Today, Lewis Uniform proudly serves over 200 fire departments, alongside police departments, postal services, security firms, and EMS personnel. “Our newest area of growth is in nursing apparel, with a rapidly expanding scrubs business,” Wiese notes, highlighting the company’s adaptability and response to evolving market needs.
What truly distinguishes Lewis Uniform Company is its enjoyable and relaxed shopping environment. Betty Wiese emphasizes, “The store is filled with laughter because we refuse to take ourselves too seriously.” This lighthearted approach creates a welcoming space where customers feel comfortable and valued.
Exciting changes are underway for Lewis Uniform as they prepare to move to a new, larger location while keeping the current store operational temporarily. The existing store will continue to offer scrubs and restaurant apparel, and guide customers to the new premises, still within Syracuse. The new store and warehouse, boasting three floors and 12,500 square feet, promises ample space for future expansion. Wiese playfully mentions an entire unfilled floor, hinting at the potential for growth. The new location, a former Elk’s Lodge building, even features a unique handmade mahogany bar, destined to separate the offices from the retail area, adding a touch of character to the space.
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Alt text: Betty Wiese, owner of Lewis Uniform, assisting a customer with uniform fitting in the Syracuse store.
Adding to the store’s unique charm are its resident mascots, Foster, the Australian bearded dragon lizard, and Zeke, the visiting pit bull. Foster, in particular, has become a beloved figure, offering children (and adults alike) a fun reward for good behavior. The presence of Foster and Zeke contributes to the informal and friendly atmosphere that defines Lewis Uniform.
Wiese reiterates, “Lewis Uniform Company is, frankly, a fun place to shop and hang out. We treat the police chief and the patrol officer with the same level of friendship and respect. Every customer is valued as if they are a major account, because they very well might be in the future.” This philosophy of treating every customer with exceptional care stems from the genuine heart of the Lewis Uniform team.
The dedicated staff of six at Lewis Uniform prioritize building relationships with their customers, often developing a deeper understanding of their clients than even their own colleagues. This commitment was evident during a somber period when two local volunteer firefighters tragically lost their lives in service. Lewis Uniform extended its opening hours to accommodate the uniform needs of grieving firefighters from surrounding departments. Wiese’s personal touch shone through when she thoughtfully inquired with a fire chief about the well-being of a particular firefighter, remembering he had also lost a partner in the 9/11 attacks.
“Our integrity keeps our customers loyal,” Wiese states. “Anyone can sell a uniform. We sell a uniform with a family behind it.” This family ethos is deeply embedded in the business. Wiese’s husband, Richard, manages the thriving scrubs division, a crucial part of the business. Their son, Ben, is also integral to the company’s operations, handling financial responsibilities and modernizing systems with point-of-sale and automated inventory solutions. The staff is completed by Melanie and Dawn, the skilled tailors, and Tony, who manages shipping.
Lewis Uniform Company experiences consistent growth, welcoming two to three new customers monthly, attracted by their wide selection of police patrol uniforms, fire dress uniforms, nursing scrubs, leather goods, patches, and headwear. As the only authorized Central New York dealer for all major brands of police and public safety uniforms and gear, Lewis Uniform offers unparalleled choice and quality. Their commitment extends to on-site service, with staff traveling up to 100 miles to measure departments for large orders. Further enhancing their service offering, custom embroidery is planned to be brought in-house, complementing their outsourced screen printing service.
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Alt text: Wide selection of police, fire, and EMS uniforms and gear available at Lewis Uniform in Syracuse.
Wiese emphasizes a customer-centric sales approach: “My role as a vendor is to present all available options, outline the advantages and disadvantages of each item, and empower the buyer to make an informed decision. This approach resonates with our customers because they feel involved and confident in their choices.”
Currently, all sales are conducted in-store, as Lewis Uniform does not operate a catalog or website. While Wiese envisions launching a website in the future, she values the personal interaction that in-store sales provide. The focus for the immediate future is the successful relocation to the new store.
The decision to move was driven by the desire to improve both customer experience and staff efficiency, addressing the challenges of a cramped storeroom and sales floor. Wiese jokes about the storeroom becoming so disorganized that fire marshals were quickly redirected. More importantly, the move represents Wiese’s commitment to securing a strong future for the business and creating a lasting legacy for her son.
The new location, just blocks from the old one, boasts enhanced visibility at a major intersection with improved signage. Wiese humorously notes the proximity to a long-standing strip club, stating, “it’s across the street from a 50-year-old strip club, so everyone knows where we are!” This increased visibility, combined with word-of-mouth referrals, is expected to drive further growth for Lewis Uniform. The larger storeroom will ensure customers can enjoy immediate purchase satisfaction with readily available sizes, colors, and styles.
Adding a touch of humor and promoting customer well-being, Lewis Uniform has a unique alteration policy: “If customers gain weight, we charge to let out pants, but if they lose weight, alterations are free. We’re just trying to encourage them in the right direction,” Wiese laughs. This playful approach underscores the genuine care and lighthearted atmosphere at Lewis Uniform.
Customer preferences directly shape the store’s inventory, guided by the principle, “He who writes the check is the boss.” While payments are made to suppliers, Lewis Uniform recognizes that customer satisfaction is paramount.
Wiese offers valuable advice for aspiring uniform business owners: “My advice to anyone starting out is don’t! I don’t need the competition! But seriously, ensure you have sufficient capital to manage the period between billing and receiving payment. And always pay your vendors promptly; they will appreciate it and support you when needed.” Drawing from her own early challenges, she also cautions against greed: “You deserve a profit, but your customer deserves fair value. And above all, be impeccably honest. Customers will recognize it, trust you, and become your best advocates. Besides, honesty is simply less complicated than keeping track of lies.”
Ultimately, the success of Lewis Uniform stems from its big heart and genuine care for every person who walks through the door. When customers feel valued and appreciated at Lewis Uniform, that confidence and satisfaction shines through every time they wear their uniforms. And that, Wiese believes, is the most effective advertisement of all.
Lewis Uniform Company
325 Butternut Street
Syracuse, NY 13208
315-471-4616
