Raleigh Haberdasher
Encyclopedia
Raleigh Haberdasher, more commonly called Raleigh's, was a high end, local men's and women's furnishings store based in Washington, D.C.
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'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.
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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. It would return to its former flagship for its liquidation sale in late 1992.
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.
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'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
Garfinckel's
Garfinckel's was a prominent department store chain based in Washington, D.C., that catered to a clientele of wealthy consumers. It declared Chapter 11, in June 1990, and ceased operations in 1990.-History:...
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
Hartmarx
Hart Schaffner Marx, founded in 1887 and incorporated in 1911, is an American manufacturer of tailored menswear. Its headquarters is at 101 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Hart Schaffner Marx is the flagship brand of HMX Group, a holding company that engages in the manufacture and marketing...
. 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.
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 PlaceThe Shops at National Place
The Shops at National Place is a three-level, indoor shopping mall located in downtown Washington, D.C. in the 16-story National Place Building. It is located on the block bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, F Street, between 13th and 14th Streets NW, the former site of the Munsey Trust Building. It...
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In 1971, the company moved its flagship store to 1133 Connecticut Ave., NW, in a location formerly occupied by Erlebacher's
Erlebacher's
Erlebacher's was a high-fashion ladies specialty store that operated in Washington, D.C. The location at 1222 F. Street, NW, opened on October 14, 1907, as G. Erlebacher. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Erlbacher were buyers for the Hecht Company in Baltimore before opening the store in...
. 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. It would return to its former flagship for its liquidation sale in late 1992.