People in Greater Cincinnati and beyond know that when a special occasion calls for a special suit, a visit to Peppe Ramundo and Son is exactly what's required. Peppe Ramundo and Son, a hallmark of the West Side, specializes in tuxedo rentals and custom suiting. Peppe Ramundo and his son Carmen Ramundo run the shop, which has been family-owned and operated for more than 40 years.

Peppe Ramundo, a native of Fuscaldo, Italy, learned the design trade from an uncle in Italy as a child. Upon arriving in Cincinnati in 1950, he began working at Hyde Park Clothing first as a foreman, then as a master designer. In 1965, Peppe left the company to open his own shop on the West Side, and began teaching the clothing trade to his son.

"My memory is of age 12, coming into the business with my father and being taught by my father, the greatest teacher," Carmen Ramundo says. In 1970 Carmen Ramundo officially joined his father in the family business, and now, as many as seven family members work in the shop during the busy season of April through November.

As a family-owned small business, service is one of the keys to the success of Peppe Ramundo and Son. "The biggest challenge is trying to educate customers that a small business has more personal service. You're not just a number to us," Carmen Ramundo says. The shop extends its service through involvement with local charities and schools, including Elder High School.

Peppe Ramundo and Son is well-known for its expertise in the world of tuxedos. With an eye for detail, Peppe Ramundo and Son regularly outfits grooms and groomsmen at many local weddings. Part of their popularity comes from their participation in bridal shows and showcases like the Cincinnati Wedding Showcase, as well as being part of the Wedding Mafia. Grooms are treated to custom fittings and alterations, as well as top-notch customer service.

Customers are the backbone of a small business, and Peppe Ramundo and Son have seen their fair share of noteworthy clients. "Pete Rose used to come in the store, autograph baseballs and photos for the kids for hours. Most recently we made a suit for D.J. Fontana, Elvis Presley's drummer, to wear for his induction for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Carmen Ramundo says.

From humble beginnings to becoming the go-to shop for formalwear, Peppe Ramundo and Son has remained true to its mission, which is, "customer satisfaction, attention to detail and putting 110 percent effort in our product." 

PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Model: Peppe Ramundo

Location: The McAlpin

RedKat
		About the author:
		RedKat is "Such a..." freelance writer for Cincy Chic and enjoys shopping, sipping, working and living in Cincinnati.
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Last update: 22-04-2009 15:38

Published in : Magazine Items, Career