Loeb's (department store)

LOEB'S, INC.

Company type	Private
Industry	Retail
Founded	1887 (1887) in Meridian, Mississippi
Headquarters	2209 Front Street, Meridian, Mississippi , US
Key people	Robert Loeb, President
Products	Clothing, footwear, eyewear, accessories, outdoor gear
Website	loebsclothing.com

Loeb's Inc. is a department store based in Meridian, Mississippi, United States. Established in 1887 by businessman Alex Loeb under the original name Alex Loeb, Inc., the enterprise now operates legally as "LOEB'S, INC." and maintains its headquarters on Front Street in Meridian.

History

Alex Loeb, the founder, immigrated from Germany to Meridian through Columbus, Mississippi, launching the first store alongside his brother Julius in 1874. The initial focus was on dry goods, apparel, and footwear. Taking advantage of Meridian’s economic growth during the early 1900s, the company secured a prominent position within the regional marketplace. Under Alex Loeb’s guidance, the business earned a reputation for high-quality products and excellent customer service.

Leadership passed down within the family to Alex’s son Abraham Marshall Loeb and his brother Henry S. Loeb, followed by Abraham’s sons Robert Switzer Loeb Sr. and Alexander Marshall Loeb. During the 1970s, Robert and Alexander expanded by acquiring the Marks-Rothenberg Co. department store located on 6th Street. Later in that decade, this acquisition was sold to a nationwide retail chain.

In 1987, Robert S. Loeb Jr., who previously worked as a buyer at Birmingham’s Parisian department store, returned to Meridian to revive the family business. He focused on a strategy emphasizing premium merchandise and Southern hospitality—principles established by his great-grandfather—and repositioned Loeb's as a retailer specializing in outdoor lifestyle products. The company continues to thrive under his leadership from its downtown Meridian location.

Loeb's online

Loeb's debuted its online retail platform in Fall 2013, enabling customers to purchase items from its physical store via the internet. By 2017, a new e-commerce system was launched featuring sophisticated inventory management technology designed to synchronize online and in-store shopping experiences while providing customized site functionalities for enhanced user convenience. However, in 2019, Loeb's discontinued its online store operations to concentrate more fully on personalized service within its physical location.

Products and services

Loeb's carries an extensive selection of branded merchandise including outdoor-themed apparel and travel accessories for men, women, and children alongside men’s formalwear such as suits and dress clothing. Notable brands featured include their proprietary LOEB'S and Alex Loeb Heritage Collection lines as well as On running shoes, Fish Hippie, Olukai, Peter Millar, Duck Head, Sorel, The North Face, Patagonia, Goodr sunglasses, KREWE sunglasses, Columbia Sportswear, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Costa Del Mar, Ralph Lauren, Chaco, Teva, Bostonian, H.S. Trask, Kavu, Jack Victor, and Clarks.

The retailer offers customized shopping consultations by appointment—available either in-store or through FaceTime—to enhance customer experience without obligation to purchase. Additionally, tuxedo rentals are provided for weddings and formal occasions.

Industry publications have acknowledged Loeb's for supporting Mississippi authors by featuring their works among its book selections. The store also hosts a North Face Concept Store on its second floor that mimics standalone North Face shops with specialized lighting and interior design elements.