# Men's Wearhouse: George Zimmer

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2019-04-15
- Length: 1h 03m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer

## Summary

George Zimmer, founder of Men's Wearhouse, explains how he built a multi-billion dollar discount suit empire by introducing 'everyday low prices' and a unique 'shirt stacking' sales model, while serving as the brand's charismatic face. After being ousted from the company he founded in 2013, Zimmer launched Generation Tux, an online tuxedo rental service, and reflects on the failures of Men's Wearhouse's post-acquisition strategy and the need for capitalism to evolve beyond short-term shareholder focus.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=0) Introduction: George Zimmer and Men's Wearhouse
- [4:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=282) Early Life and the First Store in Houston
- [26:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=1574) The Pivot to Everyday Low Prices
- [30:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=1853) Becoming the Face of the Brand
- [36:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=2199) Expansion, IPO, and Tuxedo Rentals
- [40:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=2418) Ouster from Men's Wearhouse
- [51:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=3112) Founding Generation Tux and Reflections
- [59:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-04-15-mens-wearhouse-george-zimmer#t=3558) Postscript: Raheem Jallo and Ginjan

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up, large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Men's Wearhouse (company)
- Generation Tux (company)
- Nino Saruti (product)
- K&G (company)
- Joseph A Bank (company)
- Macy's (company)
- Ginjan (product)
- Whole Foods (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [044: Turning customizable jackets into a multi-million dollar business, Elyse Daniels of Exodus Wear](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-03-14-044-turning-customizable-jackets-into-a-multi-million-dollar-business-elyse-dani) (Product Startup)
- [Hippy Feet is the coolest company you haven't heard about until now! Michael Mader, CEO](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-11-05-hippy-feet-is-the-coolest-company-you-havent-heard-about-until-now-michael-mader) (People of Packaging)
- [#258 - How Dossier Disrupted the Fragrance Industry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-07-21-258-how-dossier-disrupted-the-fragrance-industry) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [#115 Pure Gold Series: Lessons on Iterating from Seth Goldman + Updates on Eat the Change & Just Ice Tea](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-11-21-115-pure-gold-series-lessons-on-iterating-from-seth-goldman-updates-on-eat-the-c) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [46 - Richie Stapler, Co Founder at Pura](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-01-19-46-richie-stapler-co-founder-at-pura) (People of Packaging)

## Citing this page

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