By Amy Rowley
For 46 years, Larry Blume has opened the front door at The Guardsman Menswear & Tuxedo and flipped on the “open sign.” On January 1, Blume will transition from being a retail shop owner to checking items off his bucket list during retirement.
Longtime Lacey businessman Larry Blume has operated the successful men’s clothing store since it opened in 1966.
“When the shopping center (now South Sound Center) was being developed, there were two women’s clothing stores but no menswear. There was a chain store interested in the space, but did not want to come until the following year. The developers felt it was important to have a men’s store,” recalls Blume.
With a degree in economics, an interest in men’s clothing, and a desire to leave the construction industry, Blume decided to give retail a try. “Don Lathrop had been in the retail business for ten years and said he would give me a hand for a year or so,” adds Blume. “He stayed for twenty years,” he says with a smile, recalling his good friend who helped him initially open The Guardsman.
When Heather Liddell joined the business, almost 35 years ago, she began focusing on building the tuxedo business. “She was instrumental in the amount of tuxedo rentals we sold over the years, focusing on weddings and school dances,” says Blume.
He adds that Liddell has been key in merchandising the store, especially during the retirement sale, consistently redoing displays as the inventory dwindles.
Blume also credits the store’s success over the years to his other long time employees including Dick Mallory, Dwight Morris, and Jerry Farmer who all worked at The Guardsman for more than twenty years.
The Guardsman has been a staple in South Sound Center since its opening. In 2000, Blume relocated the business to a more accessible location, on the perimeter of Lacey’s shopping center.
“What I’ve enjoyed most is the relationship I’ve developed with our customers over the years,” Blume says. “It’s really satisfying helping customers put together outfits that they like.”
The Guardsman’s retirement sale continues through December 31.
The Guardsman
701 Sleater Kinney Road SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360.491.2020
Monday – Thursday from 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday from 11:00am – 5:00 pm