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.

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Shopping". And one North Carolina town made the top 10 best small towns for the shopping list! I've never been to this mountain town, so a visit may be in order. Summer is the perfect time to travel and enjoy the mainly open air shopping districts on this list. I'm surprised that I have only been to one of these towns (and it's actually the farthest one away...go figure!) But I have bookmarked multiple of these that I can't wait to visit. Shopping and historic towns are some of my favorite things.

It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers a shopping lover's paradise! Especially if you are in to unique and or handmade items. Some of these are mountain towns there could be a good winter destination as well. As long as you don't mind the cold that is.  We've got multiple areas of the country covered, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

The Best Small Towns For Shopping 

According to USA Today Readers

Located on the mid-coast of Maine you'll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.

This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It's known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!

The scenic red rocks aren't the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you're looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.

According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town's hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.

The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!

The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.

This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.

A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.

You'll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of  Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!

The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I'll have to check it out.