- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The history of Grafton-Fraser Inc. As the leading Canadian retailer of men's apparel, Grafton-Fraser Inc. operates through its retail chains; Tip Top Tailors , George Richards Big & Tall, Mr. Big and Tall, and Kingsport Big and Tall Clothiers. Taking its strength from over a century of heritage, today Grafton-Fraser remains committed to the retail clothing industry by responding to the ever-changing demands of the market. The earliest beginnings of Grafton-Fraser Inc. can be traced back to 1853 and James Beatty Grafton. By 1889 the Company was ready to begin expanding. On July 19, 1967, Grafton purchased the net retail assets of Jack Fraser Stores Limited, and the name of the newly enlarged corporation became Grafton-Fraser Limited. Jack Fraser Stores was founded in 1926. By 1967, Jack Fraser Stores were represented from coast to coast in principle shopping centers across Canada. The next major acquisition occurred in 1977 with the purchase of George Richards King size Clothes Limited, Canada's largest chain of specialty apparel stores for big and tall men. With a proud tradition, dynamic presence, and a promising future, Grafton-Fraser Inc. is guided by the philosophy endowed by its founders. Today the GFI organization is comprised of 4 menswear divisions across Canada; Tip Top Tailors: 105 locations George Richards Big & Tall Menswear / GRXL: 41 locations Mr. Big and Tall Menswear: 19 locations Kingsport Big and Tall Clothiers: 1 location