Hoffman Clothiers Inc. - Hagerstown, Maryland

C.K. Hoffman opened Hoffman's Style Shop on August 1, 1919 at 15 N. Potomac Street in Hagerstown, Maryland.
In an era when large shopping centers and indoor malls rule the retail landscape, Hofffman clothiers, Inc. is a study in perseverance. It has remained a viable part of Hagertown's downtown area since opening its doors in 1919. It still succeedstoday at the very location where it was born.

Hoffman later passed it over to his son, George, who turned it into Hoffmans, Inc. George Hoffman's son-in-law, who coincidentally was named Paul Hoffman, took over in 1978. At that time, Jim Baker was the manager of Devono's Men's Wear in Hagerstown. Jim said he and Paul Hoffman were "friendly competitors" who helped each other from time to time. So when Hoffman decided to sell his clothing store in 1984, Jim Baker became its next owner.

Reaching 80 years as a small downtown store is significant, Baker said, because he thinks large department stores are becoming more of a trend with today's shoppers.

"Our focus is on customer service and quality merchandise." He said. " We're kind of a dinosaur. There aren't many of us left with that kind of focus. Service makes us what we are."

Hoffman Clothiers also has available custom made shirts, suits, sport coats and slacks in a variety of sizes, styles, colors and fabrics.

Another aspect of the business that most people don't know about involves professional clothes, Baker said. Hoffman Clothiers has provided uniforms for the Hagerstown City Police, the Hagerstown Fire Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Department and such businesses as Phoenix Color and F & M Bank.

Jim Baker, who has lived in Hagerstown his whole life, says he loves the community.

"I like being one to one with people". He said . " A lot of our customers become friends. You can build relationships in a business like this and we have over the years."

Jim Baker has come a long way since he bought the business in 1984. He continues to provide a professional sales Consulting staff, custom tailoring, popular brand name merchandise and that personalized service. He promised to keep the store in tact and retain its emphasis on Contemporary Classics. Its like the Rolls Royce, they change body styles every year, but the quality is still there.

Carl Foremen has been with Jim for over 25 years. Carl is a fine consultant, extremely concerned about the customer's satisfaction. He won't sell something he doesn't feel is right for you. That's the kind of service Hoffman's provide. If there is something the customer needs that they cannot immediately provide, they will research it. That's what a specialty store is all about. (they have an on-site tailoring shop) When a customer leaves the store he has got to look like a million dollars as he is now an advertisement for the products that Hoffman Clothiers represents.

When Jim was given the word about the Southern Clothing Market in Charlotte, by Steve McPherson, he decided to try Charlotte. He was sold on the market after that first trip in 1992. "We don't make New York anymore, because Charlotte pretty much takes care of our needs," he said. "We occasionally go to Las-Vegas. With Charlotte only 6 hours driving time, it's a natural for us and we enjoy it. We can do it all there."

"Its such a pleasure to go to Charlotte, because of the MAC staff, salesmen, and the Embassy staff. Everyone is so congenial, we really appreciate being a part of the Southern Clothing Market."

Jim is very ably assisted by Carl Foremen, Debbie Cornett, Gene Bowers, and Mary Jane McCarney.
All of the past and present staff of Hoffman Clothiers, Inc. have made it a quality men's clothing store!

( This article in part from Erin Heath-Staff Writer-The Herald - Mail)