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Saturday, Jan. 24, is the last day of business for Tunick, who is retiring and closing his Noroton Heights store. The full-service men's specialty store has been running a storewide retirement sale to liquidate its inventory since Tunick announced his retirement in December.
"It's extremely bittersweet," Tunick said of his retirement. "We've been here a long time, we've made a lot of friendships and relationships. Lots of people have been coming in the last few weeks with hugs and well wishes for us."
Tunick grew up in Stamford and attended St. Luke's in New Canaan. He opened his first store in Avon in 1973 and moved it to its current location in 1976. He has been very active in the community, serving on the Kiwanis Club and Darien Chamber of Commerce boards, and supporting various community organizations and charities. He was named Darien's "Business Person of the Year" in 1991.
He has contributed to scholarships associated with Darien High School for 20 years, and in 2008 established the Edward Tunick Business Scholarship. The scholarship is given to a graduating senior based on financial need, their after-school work and community service, and their plans to pursue a career in business.
Tunick said he has many great memories from over the years, but finds it most satisfying when parents come in and thank him for fitting a tuxedo for their son for prom or a suit for his first job interview.
He and his wife, Carol, plan to stay in the area, though they will likely use some of their new free time to travel.
"I'll definitely miss it, it's been fun," he said.
The wine and cheese will be hosted at the store in the Noroton Heights Shopping Center between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday.
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