B.B. Fowler — New competition

Clothes shopping isn’t just for women, according to a Feb. 28, 1884 B.B. Fowler store advertisement in The Morning Star.

“The gentlemen, we trust, will not think because our shelves are filled with so many beautiful goods for the ladies that we have overlooked their necessities,” said Fowler, a historic downtown Glens Falls retailer.

Fowler carried a full line of men’s shirts, socks and suspenders.

“While you are purchasing these things it may not be amiss to look at all our linen collars and cuffs. They are as important to your outfit as any of the above, and they go in at the same low prices.”

B.B. Fowler, at 102 Glen Street, faced new competition when G.F. Bayle opened The Boston Store at 111 Glen St. on March 11, 1884.

“The interior of the (Bayle) store presented a very inviting appearance, and from early in the morning until the doors were closed at night an almost continuous stream of visitors passed in and out of the building. All were loud in their praise of the new establishment,” The Morning Star reported.

“Mr. Bayle is well known in Glens Falls, and he has a long experience in the dry goods business. He is ably assisted by William Donnelly, well known as a competent salesman. The firm starts out with every prospect of success.”

Fowler, in his February advertising, emphasized value and quality, not just low prices.

“Having found by an experience of many years that the best goods are really cheaper if sold at a reasonable profit, we have for this season’s trade selected so far as possible only that class of materials that we can conscientiously recommend,” he advertised on Feb. 23.

Yet he did offer bargains.

Close out prices of $1.25, $1.50 and $1,75–20 percent under value — were offered for a limited time on dresses left over from the winter season.

“B.B. Fowler wishes to impress upon the minds of the ladies of Glens Falls and the vicinity the fact that now is the accepted time to secure a bargain in a silk dress.”

Fowler was born Sept. 4, 1845 in Chestertown.

After finishing school, he moved to Glens Falls and worked as a clerk for Glens Falls National Bank.

Later he took employment as book keeper and office manager for W.W. Rockwell general merchandise store at the corner of Glen and Exchange streets.

On April 22, 1869, Fowler and brother Joseph bought the business and renamed it Fowler Brothers.

Joseph later left the business and it became B.B. Fowler.

The historic building now houses the offices of JMZ Architects and Planners and Downtown Social restaurant.

Click here to read the most recent previous B.B. Fowler history post.