Raleigh Haberdasher
| File:Raleigh Haberdasher show window, Washington, D.C. LCCN94507450.jpg | |
| Industry | Retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1911 |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Fate | Liquidation |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
Key people | Clarence W. Grosner, founder |
| Products | Fashion apparel, shoes, and accessories |
| Parent | Hartmarx |
Raleigh Haberdasher, often referred to simply as Raleigh's, was a distinguished local retailer specializing in upscale men's and women's clothing situated in Washington, D.C.
History
The inaugural store commenced operations on February 16, 1911, located at 1109 Pennsylvania Ave., NW inside the Raleigh Hotel. The enterprise was founded and initially managed by Mr. Clarence Grosner.[1]
Gentlemen who prioritize refinement and style in their attire will find interest in the debut of The Raleigh Haberdasher at 1109 Pennsylvania Avenue today. Mr. Clarence W. Grosner, recognized for many years as a favored provider of men's sartorial needs in Washington, will oversee this new establishment, ensuring it offers only the most current and premium selections. The premises have undergone extensive renovations with fixtures designed to be both modern and appealing. Raleigh Haberdasher’s mission is to offer the latest and finest exclusive men’s furnishings and hats at competitive prices.
In 1952, ownership transferred to Sidney Lansburgh and his family when they acquired the business from Clarence Grosner’s estate. Lansburgh served as President and CEO of Raleigh Stores Corp. until his passing in 1983.[2] Until 1984, Raleigh's operated as an independent family-run corporation before being purchased by a group of investors led by Neal J. Fox, a retail entrepreneur from New York. Three years later, in 1987, Fox executed a leveraged buyout acquiring the Garfinckel's department store chain for $95 million (~$Template:Format price in Template:Inflation/year). However, Fox was removed by investors in 1988, after which Hartmarx took ownership of Raleigh's. In September 1992, following Hartmarx’s sale of Raleigh's along with other retail outlets to HSSA Group Ltd., the new owners announced plans to shut down the chain just six days post-acquisition. The stores ceased operations by December that year.[3][4]
Flagship store
In 1923, Raleigh's relocated its main store to 1310 F Street, NW. This site served as both the flagship location and corporate headquarters until 1971 and continued operating there until January 1980 before being demolished to make way for The Shops at National Place.[5]
The flagship was moved in 1971 to 1133 Connecticut Ave., NW—previously occupied by Erlebacher's. In 1986, this property was sold for $7.5 million; subsequently, the store shifted temporarily across the street to 1130 Connecticut Ave., NW.[6] For its final liquidation sale in late 1992, Raleigh's returned to its former flagship location on Connecticut Avenue.
References
- ↑ "The Raleigh Haberdasher," The Washington Post Feb 16, 1911, pg. 11.
- ↑ "Raleigh President Sidney Lansburgh Dies at Age 67," The Washington Post, Nov 15, 1983, p. E6.
- ↑ "Closing a Retail Gap: Who Will Ride In to Pick Up Raleighs' Reins?" by Mark Potts and David Hilzenrath, The Washington Post, p. 1.
- ↑ "The Downfall Of a Washington Institution," by Mark Potts, The Washington Post, Jun 22, 1990, p. F1.
- ↑ "Raleigh's to Close F St. Store," by Merrill Brown, The Washington Post, Jan 1, 1980, p. D10.
- ↑ "Raleighs Sells Flagship Store for $7.5 Million," by Paul Thiel, The Washington Post, p. D1.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- Defunct department stores in Washington, D.C.
- Defunct businesses located in Washington, D.C.
- United States clothing retailers
- Retail businesses founded in 1911
- Retail businesses closed in 1992
- 1911 establishments in Washington, D.C.
- 1992 closures in Washington, D.C.
- Defunct department stores based in Washington, D.C.