Ann Gitter, a 1965 graduate of Cheltenham High School and owner of two popular women’s clothing stores in greater Philadelphia, passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease on Tuesday, April 14. She was 78.

An Elkins Park native, Gitter graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, then took a job managing the women’s boutique Knit Wit in the 1960s, her obituary said. She went on to become a partner after the business was sold to new ownership.

Willow Grove later became one of the store’s seven locations, according to her obituary.

An excerpt:

Gitter went into overdrive bringing little known fashion brands with easy-to-wear-flare to her customers including Philadelphia-born Willi Smith, whose colorful creations kicked off streetwear couture. She also introduced Philly to a young Betsey Johnson whose fun collection was sold under the name Alley Cat.

Ann Gitter became the face of Knit Wit.

Gitter and her partners also owned the women’s specialty store Plage Tahiti in Philadelphia from 1982 until 2014, her obituary said.

According to a 2025 article in Shore Local News, Gitter’s credo was “Never underestimate the power of a good outfit on a bad day.”

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