Tina Popp stood quietly in the back of John Cicco’s Menswear in Merrillville, eyes fixed on a photo of her late parents. As tears welled up, she reflected on the legacy left behind by her Italian-born mother and father, John and Marta Cicco.
“I hope my mom and dad are proud of how we have continued their tradition of the best customer service we could possibly give,” Popp said, gently wiping her eyes.
John and Marta Cicco, who married in 1948 and honeymooned at the Vatican, left Italy for the U.S. in pursuit of the American dream. They arrived through Ellis Island and eventually settled in Gary, Indiana, where a family member already lived.
Though John briefly worked in a steel mill, the job wasn’t for him. “He hated wearing steel-toed boots,” Popp recalled with a soft laugh. Despite not speaking English, John was confident that his skills would carry him through. “My hands will do the speaking for me,” he often said.
Those skilled hands helped him open John Cicco’s Menswear in 1952 on West 7th Avenue in Gary. That modest beginning would blossom into a beloved local institution that became part of the very fabric of Northwest Indiana’s community. From prom nights and weddings to wakes and business meetings, generations relied on the Cicco family to suit up in style.
Over the decades, the store earned a reputation for high-quality service, designer brands, and meaningful relationships. Its Facebook slogan—“All men are created equal. Then they get dressed.”—captured its essence well.
Now, after more than 70 years of operation, the family-owned menswear store will officially close at the end of the month.
“It has been a crazy long run,” Popp said from her memorabilia-filled office.
Since announcing the closure, the store has seen a surge of customer traffic. Loyal patrons have rushed in with candy, cards, flowers, and heartfelt goodbyes. Many have asked to take photos with Popp, sharing stories about how the Cicco family helped mark milestones in their lives.
“The love has been overwhelming toward me, my family and everyone here,” she said, pausing to take another phone order. “It’s been like this since the first of May, when word got out that we’re closing.”
The racks have rapidly thinned as customers snap up remaining inventory and wait for final tailoring. On the quieter second floor, where rows of retired sewing machines now collect dust, employees still bustle to fulfill last-minute requests.
“We’ve had customers tell us that my dad sold them their first suit,” Popp said, the familiar tape measure around her neck. “Another guy came in here because he wants something with my dad’s name on it. Imagine that. It’s been … awesome.”
Near the entrance, visitors are met with a memorial collage honoring Popp’s sister, Theresa Cicco, who passed away in 2024. Her brothers, Fred and John Jr., died in 2020 and 1980, respectively.
“I used to always say that I couldn’t wait to retire so she and I could hang out together,” Popp said, overcome with emotion. “And now she’s no longer with us.”
Fred, affectionately known as “the mayor of Merrillville,” also worked in the store. His office space remains untouched. “I just can’t do it,” Popp admitted.
A second collage adorns the back wall, paying tribute to John and Marta Cicco with photos, a swatch of John’s favorite suit fabric, and symbols of his tailoring craft—scissors, thimbles, thread, and a tape measure, all under the label “Master Tailor.” John passed away in 2018, and Marta in 2011. They had been married for 62 years.
“This business was their life for so many years,” Popp said, showing what used to be her father’s “play room” on the second floor, where he designed new fashion pieces.
The store’s current Merrillville location, across from Southlake Mall, was built in 1982. That same year, Popp became involved in the business after returning from Indiana University and a year studying abroad in Florence. She had planned to teach at Arizona State University, but a family tragedy redirected her future.
“When I got back home, I knew I couldn’t leave, so I started working here and eventually took over,” she said. “I loved it and never looked back. I think it was God’s plan.”
Popp has proudly championed American-made products for decades. She pointed to a display of custom-made shirts from New Jersey, showcasing the type of craftsmanship she believes still has a market.
“There is still a business for these,” she said before pausing to say goodbye to a retired Catholic priest, one of the many longtime customers she’s served over the years.
The store might continue under new ownership, but with one major change.
“It won’t be called John Cicco’s Menswear,” Popp confirmed.
For Popp, the final days at the store have been bittersweet. The sounds of a ringing cash register echo with emotion as she helps yet another customer.
“I want to thank everybody for having faith in us to help make their day special,” she said. “I’m going to miss the relationships with generations of families.”
As she reflects on the closing chapter of this family legacy, Popp is filled with gratitude.
“I’m so thankful to them for all the wonderful years and for trusting us for their special moments,” she said. “These past few weeks have been the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”
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