A men’s wear store that caters to big and tall customers is preparing to bring its voluminous clothing to Red Deer.
George Richards Big & Tall Menswear is scheduled to open at Southpointe Common in the second week of November. It will occupy Scrapbookers Paradise’s former premises, at No. 185, 2004 Gaetz Ave.
Dave McGregor, president and CEO of Grafton-Fraser Inc., George Richards’ parent company, said Monday that he’s been eager to locate a store in Red Deer for some time.
“There just hadn’t been the real estate availability when the company started looking.”
The new Red Deer store should serve an important role for larger residents in the area.
“I’m six-five. I know what it’s like trying to find the goods.”
McGregor is confident men in need of larger apparel will find what they need at George Richards.
“I think we peak at a size 66 from a shoulders standpoint.”
He said the store will carry everything from jeans to suits, with tuxedo rentals also available. Merchandise will include accessories like socks, underwear and belts.
“The only thing we don’t carry at this point is shoes,” said McGregor.
There are currently about 28 George Richards stores across Canada, with Grafton-Fraser also operating some 22 Mr. Big & Tall Menswear stores and a Kingsport Big and Tall Clothiers in Toronto. Tip Top Tailors is also a Grafton-Fraser banner.
McGregor said his goal is to have 60 to 70 free-standing big and tall stores, with new outlets opened recently in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, and another planned for Grande Prairie next year.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com