Local Business Icon Fred Libin Dead at 93.
Fred Libin, who opened his eponymous clothing store 65 years ago, died Sunday at the age of 93.Libin's, was known at various times as the Varsity Shop and Libin's Varsity Shop, is the only store to remain from all the local Kalamazoo retailers of the mid-to-late 20th century. His father, Harry was a partner in Hepp's. That clothing retailer along with Gilmore's, At Traxler's, Redwood and Ross and others are gone, but Libin's remains in Milwood.
Libin served in World War II and following the war, not only tried acting in Hollywood, but, according to his obituary, also studied at eight university and earned a Psychology degree from the Universithy of Michigan.. After a year in Hollywood, Libin returned to Kalamazoo and opened his store in 1953. The store moved to its location at CorkLane Plaza in 1954. Libin employed over three generations of Kalamazooans.
Fred Libin is survived by his widow, Martha; a step-daughter, step-daughter in law and five grandchildren.
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