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Hartmarx May Close Half Its Stores: The nation’s largest wholesaler of men’s suits is thinking about closing half its specialty stores after promoting the head of its profitable manufacturing business to run the company. The appointment of Elbert O. Hand as chairman and chief executive reflects Hartmarx Corp.’s increasing emphasis on its manufacturing division. Chicago-based Hartmarx said the shift will involve the possible closing of as many as half its 186 specialty stores starting this fall. Hartmarx operates stores under such names as Silverwoods, Wallachs, Baskin, Jas. K. Wilson and Kuppenheimer.