Friends of FREEDS
Monthly Newsletter
For over 96 years, FREEDS has proudly served Windsor and beyond with timeless style, exceptional service, and a true sense of community.
Generations of families have trusted us for everything from wedding suits and school uniforms to designer womenswear and seasonal trends. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to treating every customer like family.
This newsletter is our way of sharing more of the FREEDS experience with you each month. It’s a place to highlight exciting products, celebrate our customers, and give you a glimpse behind the scenes.
FREEDS has always been about more than fashion, it’s about connection, and this is another way for us to share stories and style together.
As we step into fall, we’re inspired by the season itself, rich colours, bold fabrics, and fresh looks that bring warmth and confidence to cooler days. From menswear staples to statement womenswear and Canadian-made craftsmanship, fall is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and embrace style with purpose.
We’re so grateful you’re here with us. Thank you for being part of the FREEDS story, and welcome to the very first FREEDS Newsletter.
With Love, The FREEDS Team
You won't want to miss...
Product Features:
Men's Fall Favourites
Blundstone:
The Boot of Fall
Event Highlight:
Fall Ladies' Night
Product Features:
Women's Fall Favourites
Customer Spotlight:
Eric Kukucka
Coppley:
Crafting Excellence Since 1883
Employee Spotlight:
Diane Hillman
Men's Department
Fall Favourites
Johnston & Murphy -
Hartford Plain Toe (Navy Italian Suede)
$450.00 CAD
Canada Goose -
Lodge Vest Black Label (Guard Blue)
$595.00 CAD
Blundstone 2581
(Tobacco Waxed Suede)
$230.00 CAD
Vuori-
Kore Short 7" (Raisin)
$94.00 CAD
Blundstone: The Boot of Fall
Since 1870, Blundstone has been crafting boots that are as tough as they are timeless. Born in Tasmania, the brand quickly became known for its commitment to quality, comfort, and durability, earning a reputation as the go-to boot for work, adventure, and everyday wear. With their signature pull-on design and rugged good looks, Blundstones have grown from an Australian essential into a worldwide icon.
At FREEDS, we’ve proudly carried both men’s and women’s Blundstone boots for more than 10 years. Season after season, they remain a fall and winter favourite thanks to their unmatched versatility, easy to dress up, casual enough for everyday, and tough enough to handle Canadian weather. It’s no wonder Blundstone continues to be a must-have staple in so many wardrobes.
Event Highlight:
FREEDS Fall Ladies' Night
Women's Department
Fall Favourites
Customer Spotlight:
Eric Kukucka
Windsor native Eric Kukucka, DD, has built an accomplished career while never losing sight of his roots, or his style.
As Vice President of Clinical Removable Prosthetics & Design Technologies at Aspen Dental, Eric divides his time between Windsor and Chicago, spearheading innovation in dental prosthetics and digital technologies. Despite his demanding schedule, there’s only one place he shops: FREEDS of Windsor, a relationship that spans generations.
His father, Chef John Kukucka, has been a FREEDS customer for decades. Eric began shopping at FREEDS as a child picking up school uniforms, suits for special occasions, and casual sportswear. Later, as an adult, discovering custom suits, sport coats, and classic pieces that became part of his signature look.
It was FREEDS co-owner Dan Orman who helped Eric develop the polished look he’s known for today. “I remember when Dan said, when you walk into a room, people will notice and say you look good and well put together. From that point on, I fell in love with fashion,” Eric recalls.
That advice shaped Eric’s signature style. He’s rarely seen without a suit or sport coat, an outward reflection of his confidence and professionalism. “Everyone knows I always have a suit or sport coat on,” he says.
For Eric, FREEDS continues to stand apart thanks to its consistency, selection, and personal touch. “They always have the most fashionable stuff, great customer service, consistency, and the best pricing,” he explains. More than just a customer, Eric has developed a lasting friendship with Dan, a bond that extends far beyond the store.
Recently engaged to Chantel Wasyluk, Eric enters an exciting new chapter of his life. The entire FREEDS team is thrilled to celebrate this milestone with him and looks forward to continuing our friendship and relationship with Eric for many years to come."
Coppley: Crafting Excellence Since 1883
Coppley has been a leader in Canadian tailoring since 1883. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, they’ve built a reputation for blending timeless craftsmanship with modern style. With over 140 years of expertise, Coppley continues to proudly produce suits, sport coats, and trousers right here in Canada, combining tradition and innovation to deliver garments of exceptional quality and fit.
At FREEDS, we’re proud to partner with Coppley for our Made-to-Measure program. This service allows our customers to create custom garments that reflect their personal style, choosing fabrics, linings, buttons, and details for a truly unique piece. Together with Coppley, we bring Canadian craftsmanship and personalized tailoring to Windsor-Essex.
Employee Spotlight:
Diane Hillman
Since joining FREEDS in 1986, Diane Hillman has been a cornerstone of the store’s success. Over the years, she has taken on many roles, but she is best known for leading the Class Act department.
“It’s very rare to find an individual like Diane,” says Evan Freed. “She’s always positive, even during the busiest times. We’re incredibly lucky to have her.
As head of Class Act, Diane oversees outfitting students across the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board with their high school uniforms.
Her ability to connect with parents and students ensures each young person feels confident and comfortable. With decades of experience, she helps kids find the right fit, balancing style, durability, and practicality for the school year ahead.
Each summer, Diane also hires high school students to assist with fittings, often giving them their first job. “These students know the ins and outs of their schools,” she shares. “They even let me in on the class jokes.” Under her guidance, they gain valuable experience in customer service and professionalism.
Reflecting on nearly four decades, Diane remains proud of her role at FREEDS and thankful to her colleagues, especially Keith White, Dan Orman, and Ari Freed, for their support.