North Carolina Family Clothier Closing After More Than A Century In Business
We’re at a point in time in our history where we are seeing some businesses just go away. Some are directly related to technology (when was the last time you saw a video rental store?). Some are indirectly related to technology. Such is the case with Nowell’s Clothiers in Raleigh. open since 1921 this North Carolina family business is closing its doors after 103 years. Honestly, I’m not sure how any brick-and-mortar clothing store is staying in business. Online shopping was already a big thing, but once the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it became the only thing. A lot of people, understandably, have just said, “Why would I GO somewhere to shop, when I can just get it delivered to my door without ever leaving the house?”
Nowell’s story in this respect is probably no different. However, their more than a century in business story is unique. Their website describes them. For 103 years, four generations of the Nowell family have offered the very best selection of quality menswear. The selection ranges from a Graduates first business suit to the CEO of a Fortune Five Hundred company’s boardroom attire. Customer service at Nowell’s goes far beyond the custom tailoring and alterations done on the premises, when both time and style are of the essence, the Nowell’s staff will open the store after business hours or will send a sales consultant with samples to a customer’s home or office. While styles, fashions and designers change throughout the years, the Nowell family participates today in a business traditionally true to the spirit of quality, value and customer service.
Now, Nowell’s Clothiers is closing their doors permanently after 103 years in business. The message on their Facebook page reads: It is with mixed emotions that we write to you today, as we announce our retirement and the closure of Nowell’s Clothing this Spring after 103 wonderful years serving our community. This decision has not been made lightly, and we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to each one of you who has been a part of our journey.
This business used to be a rite of passage for men. We all remember that first, “real” suit. In Raleigh, for more than a century this purchase was made at Nowell’s. It’s a sad thing. I came across a suit last year in an upstairs closet from “Cox’s.” It was located in Waco, Texas (where I went to college) at the corner of Waco Dr and Valley Mills Dr. I remember the day that suit was purchased. The occasion was my graduation. My father said no college grad can walk across the stage in anything but a fine suit. Cox’s was a family business just like Nowell’s. It hasn’t been in business for more than a decade. Now, Nowell’s Clothiers is fading to history after 103 years. Goodbye and thank you.