History
John Helmer Sr began as an apprentice in a clothing store in downtown Stockholm Sweden when he was a young boy. He came to the US in 1910 and began as a servant to the servants in the house of a wealthy gentleman. Over time he gained the trust of his employer and travelled the world with him as his valet, overseeing his clothing, cigars and liqueur. John Sr finally settled in Portland after completing courses in window trimming school. He always wanted his own business and to be his own boss. He founded his store in 1921 on SW Washington St between Broadway and Park. Six years later he moved to the present location at SW Broadway and Salmon. John Jr bought the store in 1954 after bicycling around Europe for 18 months. Instead of expanding to Lloyd Center he opted to expand the current location doubling the space out to the corner. The current owner, John III purchased the store in 1982 and has kept the character of the store much like it was from its inception.
Specialties
We have one of the largest selections of hats and caps in the Pacific Northwest. Our traditional line of clothing includes custom tailoring from Hickey Freeman, Southwick, and H. Freeman, in addition to custom shirts, hand tailored in USA. We feature sportswear from Gitman, Barbour, Bills Khakis and Alan Paine. Shoes from Alden, made in New England. Our haberdashery assortment is second to none from grooming accessories to cologne and other hard-to-find items such as sock garters, braces, bow ties and other accoutrements for the well dressed gentleman.