Andrews, Inc: Business Enjoys 40 Years of ‘Timeless’ Style

As . prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, owner Gary Andrews says he can thank a great number people for the store’s longevity.

There were the friends and family who helped renovate the old bank where the first store was located.

That store opened June 1, 1972, in a building where the is now located.

Then there are the loyal customers who followed Andrews Inc. to its current location at 111 N. Glendora Ave., a building that was once Glendora’s general merchandise store.

For forty years, Andrews and his wife Connie have sold their signature style of fine men’s and women’s wear.

“We try to keep a certain level of sophistication without being snobbish,” said Andrews. “Some styles are just timeless and that’s what we shoot for.”

While other familiar stores closed such as Bock’s Toy Store and more recently Village Book Store, Andrews, Inc. has continued to stay a fixture in the Village Center.

The store has more than 100 displays of clothing choices and accessories. The store also offers a custom fit Made-to-Measure tailoring system.

But while the store is known for its men’s selection, it’s the women who the Andrews most often deal with.

“It’s mostly the wives who come in and do the shopping,” jokes Connie Andrews. “The guys come in kicking and screaming.”

The family-owned operation also included Natalie, the Andrews’ 10-year-old English sheepdog who keeps watch over the store.

Andrews’ own family history is deeply rooted in Glendora. His grandparents worked in the packinghouses when Glendora was the citrus capitol of the world. His father worked for the forestry service.

Andrews remembers when there was a feed store and filling station in the downtown.

“The downtown has changed but then again it hasn’t,” said Andrews. “Businesses have come and gone, but the avenue has stayed full. We are very fortunate because the vacancy rate is almost nil. The naysayers that say people are going out of business, that’s just the natural evolution of things.”

The Andrews remain very involved in the Business Improvement District, helping to organize events such as the Holiday Stroll and the Wine Walk to attract visitors to downtown businesses.

“If you have a business you have to be involved in not just your business, but the entire area around you. It’s just what you do,” said Andrews. “This is not a hobby for us. It’s serious business.”

The store will celebrate its 40th anniversary in an open house Friday, June 1, 5-8 p.m. at its location, 111 N. Glendora Ave.

Andrews, Inc. is open seven days a week: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call (626) 914-1953, or visit andrewsinc.aliofthevalley.com.