Raleigh Haberdasher

Infobox Defunct Company
company_name = Raleigh Haberdasher
company_
fate = Liquidation
foundation = 1911
defunct = 1992
location = Washington, D.C.
industry = Retail
key_people = Clarence W. Grosner, founder
products = Fashion apparel, shoes, and accessories
num_employees =
parent = Hartmarx
subsid =

Raleigh Haberdasher, more commonly called Raleigh's, was a high end, local men's and women's furnishings store based in Washington, D.C.

History

The first store opened on February 16, 1911, at 1109 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, in the Raleigh Hotel. Mr. Clarence Grosner was the first store operator. ["The Raleigh Haberdasher," "The Washington Post" Feb 16, 1911, pg. 11.]

Men who give thought to care and taste in their dress will be interested to hear of the opening today of The Raleigh Haberdasher at 1109 Pennsylvania avenue. Mr. Clarence W. Grosner, who for many years has been well known in Washington as a popular caterer to the sartorial wants of man, will be in charge of this new emporium, which is an assurance that everything will be strictly up-to-date and first class. The place has been thoroughly remodeled and the fixtures are of the latest and most attractive design. The aim of the Raleigh Haberdasher will be to sell the very newest and best in exclusive furnishings and hats for men at the lowest prices.

In 1952, Sidney Lansburgh and his family purchased the company from the estate of Clarence Grosner. He would remain President and Chief Executive Officer of the Raleigh Stores Corp. until his death in 1983. ["Raleigh President Sidney Lansburgh Dies at Age 67," "The Washington Post", Nov 15, 1983, p. E6.] Raleigh's remained an independent,family owned corporation until 1984, when it was acquired by an investor group headed by New York retail entrepreneur Neal J. Fox. In 1987, Fox purchased the Garfinckel's department store chain for $95 million in a leveraged buyout. The following year, Fox was ousted by investors and Raleigh's was acquired by Hartmarx. In September 1992, after Hartmarx sold Raleigh's along with other retail stores to the investors group HSSA Group Ltd., they announced the decision to close the chain six days after purchasing it. The chain closed in December 1992. ["Closing a Retail G
] ["The Downfall Of a Washington Institution," by Mark Potts, "The Washington Post", Jun 22, 1990, p. F1.]

Flagship Store

In the 1923 the downtown store moved to 1310 F Street, NW. That store would remain the flagship store and headquarters until 1971, and remain open until January 1980. It was demolished and replaced by The Shops at National Place. ["Raleigh's to Close F St. Store," by Merrill Brown, "The Washington Post", Jan 1, 1980, p. D10.]

In 1971, the company moved its flagship store to 1133 Connecticut Ave., NW, in a location formerly occupied by Erlebacher's. In 1986, that store was sold for $7.5 million and the store moved to a "temporary location" across the street 1130 Connecticut Ave., NW. ["Raleighs Sells Flagship Store for $7.5 Million," by Paul Thiel, "The Washington Post", p. D1.] It would return to its former flagship for its liquidation sale in late 1992.

Former locations

District of Columbia

* 1310 F Street, NW "(flagship store, 1923 - 1971, closed 1980, demolished to build The Shops at National Place)"
* 1133 Connecticut Ave., NW "(flagship store, 1971 - closed 1986, currently the location of Filene's Basement)"

Maryland

* Bethesda: Montgomery Mall
* Bethesda: White Flint Mall
* Chevy Chase: Mazza Gallerie
* Gaithersburg: Lakeforest Mall
* Hyattsville: Prince George's Plaza "(opened Oct 10, 1966; closed 1992)" [Display Ad for Raleigh Haberdasher, "The Washington Post, Times Herald", Oct 9, 1966, p. A3.]
* Landover: Landover Mall
* Wheaton: Wheaton Plaza

Virginia

* Arlington: Landmark Mall
* Fairfax: Fair Oaks Mall
* Springfield: Springfield Mall
* Tyson's Corner: Tysons Corner Center

References

External Links

* [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/h?pp/PPALL:@field(NUMBER+@1(cph+3c11330)) View of Raleigh Haberdasher shop window, 1910 F Street, NW, ca. 1925, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Call Number: LOT 12353-9]