J. B. Evans has provided fashionable clothing for Thunder Bay for a century.
The clothing store located in Westfort first opened on Oct. 10, 1912. John Beaconsfield Evans was one of the first business owners to start up a shop in what was then the town of Fort William. Through depressions, recessions, booms and the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur to create the city of Thunder Bay, J.B. Evans has stayed constant at 122 Frederica Street West.
Decades later, the family still owns and operates the store. A family member has always headed the store except during the Second World War when long-time employee William Woitkiw became acting manager.
Jack Moro has worked as the manager and a partner with the store for more than 35 years and said it felt amazing to be able to reach such a milestone.
“It makes everyone here feel a little in awe of the fact that there’s been so many good people working in a place like this,” Moro said. “it’s definitely the people that makes a business. One lady worked in here for 54 years. Where else can you find that kind of person? That’s what really makes it work.”
Jack Moro, a member of the Westfort Village Association, said it’s important to be a part of the community because neighbours are what helps keeps businesses going.
“Good stores around us draw people into our area and the spin off effect is there,” he said. “Local businesses are here for the long haul as we have been. Local businesses support the little league, support that hockey team or that little individual doing gymnastics or dance. It’s a give and take thing.”
In celebration of the milestone, J.B. Evans is holding a four-day sale, which starts on Wednesday. The store will also feature a display of antiques and photos from the store’s long history.
