The Locker Room of Montgomery marks its 40th anniversary with a month-long celebration this month. The men’s clothing store will host a series of special events, including a $4,000 shopping spree giveaway and weekly trunk shows from top men’s clothing designers. One of the trunk shows helped launch a brand new custom buildout within the store called a “Peter Millar Crown Shop,” making The Locker Room one of only 18 of these shops in the country and the only one in Alabama.
Since it’s opening in 1977, The Locker Room’s footprint has more than doubled in size. Owner George Wilder also opened a second store in Auburn in 2010.
The Locker Room team in Montgomery, pictured from left: Ham Smith, Hunter McDonald, Josh Davis, Tom Moore, George Wilder, John Lee and Terrell Wright.
“We feel The Locker Room is unique in our selection of clothing, sportswear, shoes and accessories,” said George. “We have always had great merchandise, but our success is because we have always had great people.”
The family atmosphere and camaraderie among employees has allowed The Locker Room to enjoy decades with many of the same, friendly and talented folks to greet customers.
“Hunter, Tom, Josh, John, Ham, Taylor, Doug, Christian, Katherine, Terrell, Bernice, Debra and Mary Jane are the reason we are thriving today,” added George. “Our goal is to make shopping with us a great experience, and to make it fun and easy for those folks who have blessed us with their business.”
“The well-dressed man will always have an advantage.” – George Wilder
George began his career working at a men’s clothing store in high school and continued selling clothes during his time at Mississippi State University, working his way through college. After graduation, he and his wife, Madeliene, moved to Tuscaloosa, where he managed The Locker Room there for five years.
“In Tuscaloosa, I became friends with a great group of folks from Montgomery who encouraged me that Montgomery needed a good, traditional men’s store. So, we pulled together some money and opened this store in September of 1977. The rest, as they say, is history,” explained George.
The Locker Room has been an Alabama Retail Association member since 1993.
The Locker Room of Montgomery at 1717 Carter Hill Road is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Locker Room of Auburn at 127 E. Magnolia Ave. is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit online at tlrclothiers.com
Story by Melissa Johnson Warnke
Photos by Nancy King Dennis