John Mitchell has been selling clothing in the same spot, 311 East Market Street, since 1937. Mr. Mitchell (front and center) began helping his dad in the store when he was eleven years old. Today, at 90, he still comes to work six days a week with the same work ethic and love of life. The store is virtually the same as it was eighty years ago. The other thing that hasn't changed is the Mitchell family's commitment to seeing that customers find the perfect suit, tie, dress shirt, and Stacy Adams shoes for their formal occasion. The store is also known for its quality, brand-name hats. People come from throughout the east coast to purchase Stetson and Kangol caps.
Joe Mitchell stands in the background, always ready to help his dad as needed. Joe, a professional drummer who has lived on the west coast for decades and whose band has toured in Europe, likes to come to the store in Greensboro to help his family. John Mitchell graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1945, and Joe graduated from Grimeley High in 1976.
Brick and mortar businesses with a proprietor on site, especially one who loves seeing that the customer leaves satisfied, is getting harder and harder to come by. Mr. Mitchell has mostly repeat customers these days. His clients trust him as their go-to person for something nice to wear. The Mitchell family has seen Greensboro grow and change over the last eight decades. We don't know if statistics are kept, but Mr. Mitchell could well have the longest running retail career in all of North Carolina- six days a week since 1937!
Here is a 2012 story on Mitchell's Clothing and Accessories from the News and Record. Rumor has it that an article will be published in Our State Magazine after the first of the year. We can't wait!
Joe looks like he just stepped out of ZZ Top.
Posted by: William Kendall | Monday, December 11, 2017 at 02:25 PM