Jack Fraser Men’s wear

A Visit with Jack Fraser

On a walk through Pine Hills Cemetery in east-end Toronto, I came across the grave of Jack Fraser—the man behind one of Canada’s best-known names in affordable men’s clothing.

A farm boy from the small village of Cavan, Ireland, Jack came to Canada with dreams of becoming a Mountie. Life had other plans. In 1926, he opened the flagship store of Jack Fraser Stores Limited on the Danforth. It was the beginning of a retail legacy.

I recently visited the original site of Jack Fraser Ltd. on the Danforth (before and after). 

Jack Fraser built more than just a clothing business—he built trust. Known for his down-to-earth style, Jack was a “man-on-the-street kind of guy.” Every customer who walked into the store got his personal attention. He insisted on being called simply “Jack.”

The Fraserdale Box topcoat exclusive to Jack Fraser. 

During the Depression, when wallets were empty, Jack’s generosity shone. It’s said that customers would often leave with a new coat on their back—even if they had no money in their pockets. That kind of heart built fierce loyalty—and helped his business grow into a chain of 25 stores across the country.

Jack Fraser passed away in 1960, but the name lived on. In 1967, Grafton & Company purchased Jack Fraser Stores and became Grafton-Fraser Limited, continuing the legacy of quality menswear.

Jack Fraser Sr. died in Toronto on August 21, 1960. He was 67.

1892-1960