Holmes Clothing considered landmark in Cedartown
Holmes Clothing, located at 235 Main Street, will celebrate 120 years in 2015.
The store is currently owned and operated by Bruce, Ron and Stephen Casey. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For information, you are invited to call 770-7481455.
“Ron and I grew up in the business,” said Stephen Casey. “We get along great but are known as practical jokesters.”
He believes Holmes has continued to serve the local area due to the fact that every customer is important and the store stocks only quality merchandise. Shoppers can choose from 70 different lines of clothing, including such brands as Southern Tide, Peach State Pride, Vines N Kerr, Florsheim shoes, Brighton belts and accessories and more.
Services offered include custom tailored suits and coats, elite formal wear and free alterations with most purchases.
Casey said both he and Ron could give credit for continued business success to their father Bruce. “He believes the only way to do something is the right way,” Stephen said.
Ron Casey said they enjoy talking to people and pleasing customers.
The present W. K. Holmes building has been continuously occupied as Holmes Clothing Company for almost 120 years.
The late W.K. Holmes founded the store in 1895. H. J. Dempsey, contractor and builder, constructed the facility at a cost of $7,450.
The basement of the building once housed a “pressing club” or dry cleaning establishment. For most of its history, the second floor has housed law offices – including W. H. Trawick, J. K. Davis, O. T. Flournoy and Forrest Oates.
At one time, part of the upstairs was used as a “Gentlemen’s Club” where local men could gather.
During World War II, a U.S.O. was established on the second floor where those serving in the Armed Forces could enjoy light refreshments, cards, music and the company of Cedartown’s fairest.
In 1945, Phil Brewster, whose wife was a daughter of the founder, purchased Holmes. Paul Heard was a partner for a number of years and purchased the business in 1970.
Heard retired Dec. 31, 1980, and Bruce and Patsy Casey became the new owners. Casey formerly operated B&B Men’s Wear on East Avenue.
Holmes Clothing, long considered a landmark on Main Street, still serves the Cedartown area as a provider of men’s clothing. The store also draws many customers from Rockmart, Bremen, Floyd County and other area communities.
Although it has continued to change, the owners make every effort to assure customers that the high principles and business ethics on which the company was founded are still part of daily operations.
According to Ron Casey, the family also has a ladies store – 301 Main Holmes for Her. It is owned and operated by their mother Patsy D. Casey and aunt Alice D. Pittman.