Local employees of a men's clothing chain store put all sales on hold Saturday in protest of the abrupt firing of the store's founder and executive chairman.
Staff members at the Men's Wearhouse in South Anchorage say they refused to sell store merchandise but did help customers with tux rentals and alterations.
The employees say they want to make it clear that they're upset about the sudden firing of George Zimmer, founder of the store and company.
Zimmer was let go last Wednesday (June 19) by the company's board of directors, which gave no reason for his termination.
The protest lasted until late Saturday afternoon when the president of the company called and said he would notify police, according to an employee.
About three-fourths of the staff decided to go home instead of working.
"We are avid supporters of George, we love him very much, he's been there for all of us," said Tiffany Karling, Assistant Manager at the Men's Wearhouse in Anchorage. "He's given us a family feeling in the store and in the company and so I've been with the company for 10 years and he's made a big impact on me for sure, personally."
A statement released by Men's Wearhouse corporate, said the board expects to discuss with Zimmer the extent, if any, and terms of his ongoing relationship with the company.
Zimmer started the first store in 1973.
Editor's Note: KTUU's Abby Hancock contributed to this story.
Contact Neil Torquiano