Family-Owned & Community Loved: Why Our Store Still Thrives After Nearly a Century
For nearly 100 years, Blum’s in Patchogue Village has been more than just a store—it has been a family-owned business, a community gathering place, and a trusted destination for women seeking high-quality lingerie and swimwear with personalized care.
In a world where retail has drastically changed, Blum’s has remained a local institution, standing strong through the rise of malls, the digital shopping revolution, and the challenges facing independent retailers. What makes Blum’s unique? It’s a story rooted in family legacy, community connection, and customer-first values.
A Legacy That Began with Family
Blum’s story begins nearly a century ago with Arthur and Molly Blum. In 1928, just 10 months after their marriage in Brooklyn, the couple stumbled across a small shop in Patchogue with a sign that read “Going Out of Business.” Almost impulsively, they decided to take a chance, bought the store, and started their new life in retail.
With no prior experience, Molly immersed herself in learning the trade. She attended corset schools run by manufacturers, took surgical courses to understand proper fitting, and refined her craft until she became a trusted expert. By the early 1950s, her dedication earned Blum’s recognition in national trade magazines for its meticulous fittings and specialized care, drawing loyal customers from within a 25-mile radius.
Their son-in-law, Abe, carried that torch forward. At 22, while recovering from illness and taking time away from college, he began helping with Christmas wrapping in the family store. What started as temporary turned into a lifelong passion. Abe stayed, learned the business inside and out, and eventually guided Blum’s through decades of change—instilling in his own son Marc the same values of hard work, exceptional service, and community connection.
Today, his son, Marc, proudly carries on that tradition, blending nearly 100 years of family legacy with modern retail innovation, ensuring that Blum’s remains a trusted name in lingerie and swimwear retail.
Weathering the Retail Storm in Patchogue Village
When malls took over in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, many small shops in Patchogue Village closed. But Blum’s stayed. The store’s resilience came from its loyal customer base and its ability to offer what big-box stores couldn’t: unique products, expert fittings, and a personal touch.
Today, Blum’s is proud to remain a pillar of the Patchogue community, contributing to events, parades, and initiatives while supporting local businesses.
From Cleaning Bathrooms to Leading the Business
Marc’s journey wasn’t about shortcuts. Beginning in 1976, he did it all—cleaning, cashiering, ticketing—before officially taking over the business from his father. There were tough times, but through perseverance, family support, and smart decisions, Blum’s survived and thrived.
This hands-on experience taught Marc what makes a store successful: hard work, trusted partners, and dedication to customers.
What Sets Blum’s Apart: Products & Service
Blum’s isn’t just another lingerie and swimwear store. With lingerie manager Terri and swimwear manager Cherie, the team carefully curates styles that fit real women’s needs, from hard-to-find bra sizes to extended-size swimwear.
They’ve long been ahead of trends, stocking brands like Wacoal, Elomi, Freya, and Goddess before they became widely available. Customers know they’ll find both the latest wire-free bra trends and timeless essentials, all with the guarantee of a perfect fit.
And unlike many boutiques, Blum’s offers complimentary professional fittings, no appointment required. The philosophy is simple: service, service, service.
Adapting in a Digital Age
In the age of Amazon and big-box online retailers, Blum’s thrives by offering what online shopping cannot:
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The chance to feel the fabrics
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Try on pieces with guidance
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Receive personalized fitting advice
At the same time, Blum’s has embraced technology with an advanced POS system, loyalty program, and purchase history tracking—helping customers find the exact bra or swimsuit they loved in the past.
Community, Partnerships, and Events
Blum’s is more than a retailer—it’s part of the Patchogue Village heartbeat. As an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, the store supports community events, donates to local fundraisers, and participates in parades.
Upcoming highlights include the It’s a Wonderful Life event and the festive parades on Main Street, where Blum’s proudly sponsors and stays open to welcome locals and visitors alike.
Looking Toward 100 Years
With its 100th anniversary on the horizon, Blum’s continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The goal is simple: to remain a staple in Patchogue Village and to keep providing quality lingerie, swimwear, and exceptional customer service for generations to come.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Marc offers advice for aspiring small business owners:
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Be present. Your involvement matters.
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Build strong vendor relationships.
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Have a reliable business partner, lawyer, and accountant.
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Treat employees with respect—they are the backbone of your business.
His story proves that with passion, perseverance, and strong values, brick-and-mortar retail still has a future.
A Thank You to the Community
At the heart of Blum’s success are the customers. Families have shopped here for generations, and Marc and the team take pride in being part of their lives.
“We just hope they keep coming to us. We want to make them happy because that makes us happy.” – Marc
Blum’s isn’t just a store for lingerie and swimwear. It’s a family legacy, a community treasure, and a shining example of how family-owned businesses can thrive in today’s world.