Grafton-Fraser

In 1853, James Beatty Grafton, son of Irish immigrants, left school at the age of 16 to become an apprentice in the dry goods industry.

In 1858 Anthony Gregson retired and James Grafton was joined in business by his brother John to form the J.B. & J.S.

In 1900 Grafton & Co. opened a factory across the street from its original store in Dundas to ensure that all the products they offered were manufactured with their trademark "High Grade".

The middle of the line pricing and well established quality of the clothing offered at both of these stores made for the perfect partnership between the companies.

1977 saw the next merger for Grafton-Fraser when they purchased George Richards Kingsize Clothes Limited, Canada's largest chain of specialty apparel for big and tall men.

In 1984, Grafton-Fraser launched its Grafton & Co. Store which was an upscale menswear specialty retailer featuring high fashion sportswear and casual clothing.

Faced with the recession of the early 1990s, Grafton-Fraser was forced to re-evaluate its operational strategy, reinventing itself centered on its key strength in the men's apparel market.

The company underwent major changes with 75% of shares being sold to the Cadillac Fairview Corporation and Stonehouse controlling 25%.

Grafton-Fraser bought the Tip Top Tailors chain along with Weston Apparel and Montreal based San Remo Knitting and importing business from Dylex Ltd. in July of that year.

In 1929, it built a large building near the Toronto waterfront to house all its operations, including administration and manufacturing.

Unfortunately the new Gordon Brothers board of directors proceeded to implement incompetent new management and over time take the company into bankruptcy.

Tip Top Tailors, Mr. Big and Tall and George Richards chains continue to operate in most provinces across Canada despite all.