For 40-years Mark Mackenzie has helped the city dress to impress, evolving his iconic clothing store and sewing success through hard work despite “great challenges”.

On Thursday, the Mark Anthony’s Clothing Company owner celebrated the latest milestone his very first customer Shirley Case.

Now 83-years old, Ms Case said in 1977 she bought a pair of jeans for her son at what was then, a menswear store. 

Having known Mr Mackenzie since he was a teen, Ms Case said she was very proud of his long-standing accomplishment. 

“He opened the store when he was just 20-years old,” Ms Case said. 

“It was a big risk for someone so young back then.”

She said she’d never seen the store so beautiful. 

“If you work hard and you’re honest and good, that’s what it takes,” Ms Case said. 

“I’ve never seen it as big as this.”

As fashions, styles, eras and payment methods evolved across the decades, Mr Mackenzie said the store – named after his father – did too. 

“When I opened there were 10 to 12 menswear stores and now there are none left,” he said. 

“That’s sad.”

Despite a financial blow that followed the growth of the city’s mall, Mr Mackenzie said he wouldn’t complain. 

“I just think about what my dad used to say,” he said. “The good old days are right now.”

Mr Mackenzie was joined by Wagga MP Daryl Maguire and city councillor Dan Hayes for the store’s milestone festivities, acknowledging the long-time businessman’s success. 

Mr Mackenzie thanked staff and customers for their support across the years.