Future looks bright for London clothier celebrating 60th anniversary

A London-based and family run clothing store is celebrating six decades in business. CTV’s Nick Paparella reports.

Sixty years in business is something just a few retailers are able to celebrate.

“It’s a real accomplishment for our family...we are very proud,” said Curt Collins, the third-generation owner of Collins Clothiers.

From humble beginnings with one small London store in 1965, Collins Clothiers has expanded to include seven corporate stores in southern Ontario. Its main location is still in London but now on Adelaide Street South.

The company also has 140 wholesale spots to help serve customers across the country.

Collins says it all started with his grandmother Judy offering weddings gowns and formal wear before his father Brad took over the business and moved it to a Wharncliffe Road location.

“She worked at a store and decided to go out on her own and started with a small store on Wortley Road,” said Collins. “My dad took over built the company up on Wharncliffe Road and passed it along to me.”

The company has now grown to include almost 70 employees with 40 being full-time.

More than 20 years ago the company made the move to start sell men’s clothing which is a big part of their business today. However formal wear still makes up for about 50 per cent of sales.

“Corporate stores are now doing suits, men’s clothing, tuxedos, boys clothing and everything to do with clothing now,” said Collins.

Over the years the Collins family have always supported the community through different charities.”

“We feel that you need to give back to the community that supports you because we saw that through the pandemic,” said Collins.

As for the next 60 years Collins says, “It’s humbling to see how we have grown, however we just want to continue to offer value and great customer service as we move forward in the future.”