I’m Cohen where the sun keeps shining

Tailor Michael Cohen

Oldham tailor Michael Cohen is hanging up his tape measure and retiring, ending the family firm’s 110 year history.

Michael is the last in the line of bespoke tailors, trading as Phil Cohen, who have suited and clothed Oldham people since 1901.

At 72 he says he is retiring due to his age and health.

Michael added: “It’s got to the point when I now find it hard to bend down to measure the inside leg!”

He will be moving to live in Spain, where he has had a property for several years, with his wife Rita.

Now working as a mobile tailor, he will be taking his last orders in the next couple of weeks.

Phil Cohen has been the name over the door at five Oldham shops in Whalley Street, Rock Street, Union Street, George Street, and in St Peter’s Precinct.

But the business started off when his grandfather Phil Cohen went on the road selling the family’s suits to wholesale warehouses in 1901.

His travels took him to Oldham Market, and he was so successful he started a made to measure service in the town, and then expanded the business.

His son Harold joined him in 1928, and grandson Michael followed him 57 years ago when he was only 14, making tea, sweeping up and brushing the suits.

It was a long apprenticeship, but by 1983 he was running the business, finally working in Union Street, before that closed and he became a mobile tailor.