Geiger's

Geiger's is a multi-unit retailer in Northeast Ohio. Founded in 1932 by W. Charles "Charley" Geiger Sr., the company markets men's and women's clothing and activewear, shoes, ski and snowboard equipment and accessories, sporting goods and tailored men's clothing at its main store and headquarters in Lakewood, Ohio, and stores in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

Geiger's
Private company
IndustryRetail (Clothing, snow sports, sporting goods
Founded1932
HeadquartersLakewood, Ohio
Areas served
Northeast Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York
Key people
Chas Geiger President
Gordon Geiger Executive Vice President
Websitehttp://shopgeigers.com

Charley Sr. ran the business until his death in 1949, when his widow Ottillia and sons, W. Charles "Charley" Jr. and twins Donald E. and Douglas A. took over. Charley Jr. remained active until his death in 1992, when current CEO W. Charles "Chas" Geiger was named to the top job.

The company's client base includes all of Northeast Ohio, Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. Throughout the years Geiger's has operated satellite locations including Geiger's at Peek'n Peak Resort (Clymer, NY); Geiger's at Boston Mills Ski Area (Peninsula, OH); Geiger's Courtside at River Oaks Racquet Club (Rocky River, OH); the Jack ‘n Jill Shops; and Gordo's Board & Skate, one of the country's first specialty "snowboard only" retail stores in Lakewood. Geiger's also has an active online business.

Early history
Photo of the first Geiger's at W. 75 and Lorain Cleveland

Geiger's history began nearly a century ago. W. Charles "Charley" Geiger Sr.'s brother Howard Geiger founded a men's clothing business in Cleveland in 1918 with a store near West 75th and Detroit Avenue in what is now the city's Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. Charley joined brother Howard in 1919. Howard expanded his business, first to eight stores then, in 1928, to a total of 13 stores, most of which were closed during the Great Depression in 1929–1930.[1]

Geiger's staff in 1933

In 1932 Charley Geiger Sr., in the midst of the Great Depression, started his own men's clothing establishment, which he named "Charley Geiger's Haberdashery" in a storefront at the corner of Warren Rd. and Detroit Avenue in downtown Lakewood, OH. In 1936, he moved three storefronts east to 14710 Detroit Avenue where Geiger's main store and headquarters stand today. Geiger's, according to the Lakewood Post, was "…a new store, new fixtures, complete stocks of nationally advertised merchandise, and a continuation of the policies that have drastically increased his (Geiger's) business."[2]

Sporting goods

Softball

In the 1930s and 1940s, Lakewood, Ohio became a center of world softball. On a site originally owned by the Lakewood Tennis Club, built in 1915 and purchased by the Lakewood Lodge of Elks (BPOE) in 1917, the country's first lighted softball stadium was built. Elks' Field, as it was known, was where the World Softball Championships were played in 1944 and 1946. The location is presently a supermarket.[3] Geiger's began its involvement in sports when it supported the Lakewood Department of Recreation and became involved in the burgeoning adult softball scene.

Other sports

After World War II, Geiger's sponsored hardball teams, Little League and other youth programs as well as winter indoor soccer, basketball, outdoor soccer, major and PeeWee baseball and autumn youth touch football. As the Recreation Department grew, Geiger's involvement became greater and greater, and its men's clothing business operations expanded to include sporting goods.[4]

In 2017 Geiger's was named "Cleveland's Best Sporting Goods Store," citing "...Mom-and-pop shops like Geiger's are what make neighborhoods and communities unique...."[5]

Skiing, snowboarding and winter sports

Don Geiger, Charley Jr.'s brother, began the Geiger's ski department in 1961, as skiing in the United States was just beginning to get popular. The 1950s and 1960s then became the greatest growth period in the history of US skiing. Geiger's was a pioneer in the ski outfitting business, one of about 150 establishments, nationwide that have been recognized as the ones who "got things started." There were three of these pioneer shops in Ohio, only two survive: Geiger's Lakewood and Geiger's Chagrin Falls.[6]

As interest in snow sports increased, Geiger's increased its involvement, adding items like alpine and Nordic skis and ski boots, snowboards and boots, ski and snowboard accessories, and a significant number of brands in men's, women's and children's cold weather clothing and accessories.[7]

The company has sponsored many ski oriented programs and outings throughout its history in the ski industry. For many years, Geigers supported former US National Ski champion Jeannie Thoren in her campaign for "female-friendly" ski equipment. Thoren's position was that women's physical characteristics are completely different from those of men, so just shorter skis will not suffice. Thoren has made many appearances in Geiger's ski stores, urging women to demand and ski manufacturers to design better equipment.[8]

Geiger's has been active in America's Best Bootfitters, a worldwide association of independent ski and snowboard retailers that offers certification in the science of fitting ski and snowboard boots. These boots are a substantial investment (up to as much as $1,000/pair) and are integral to good, safe skiing.[9]

Executive Vice President and Co-owner Gordon Geiger is very active in snow sports. He is Vice Chairman and has served as Treasurer of the board of directors of Snow Specialists Limited (SSL) one of the leading specialty retail buying associations for ski and snowboarding in the US. The group, founded in 1971, includes more than 60 organizational members who operate over 120 retail outlets in 27 states. His wife Susan has served on the association's Softgoods Committee since 2010.[10]

In 2015, Gordon was elected a director of the National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA). Founded in 1987, NSSRA acts as an advocate on issues like pricing policies, vendor-retailer relationships and provides information that helps its members operate more efficiently and effectively.[11]

Historic buildings

Charley Geiger Sr. founded the company in 1932 about three storefronts west of the site of the current Lakewood store and corporate headquarters. In 1936, he leased the present store at 14710 Detroit Ave. (which he ultimately purchased) and moved all his goods and store fixtures east. Subsequently, in 1962 the company expanded and purchased an adjacent building to its west. By 1973, Geiger's had knocked down the interior walls and presented the store as one unconnected building – on the inside.

The exterior was another matter. In 1975, the company erected a 100 ft. white aluminum façade to make it appear that the two buildings were actually one. The aluminum wall lasted over 25 years, until, early in the 21st century, Geiger's decided to go back to the early 1900s core of the buildings. As they dismantled the old sheet wall, architectural details nearly 100 years old were revealed and emphasized. Architect Rex Gilliland commented that he had simply "…put it back to what it was. It looks great."

Geiger's headquarters and principal store

Geiger's was lauded for its renovation; the city of Lakewood's Jeff Rink stated, we "…are excited to have such a fantastic corporate citizen…what they've done is a model for Lakewood to preserve the heritage of historic buildings…."[12] In 2002, Geiger's received an Award from the Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland for its Lakewood location historic storefront preservation.[13]

Children's clothing

In 1961, Geiger's purchased Jack 'n Jill, described as "Ohio's largest exclusive children's shop," from its founder, Theodore F. Brooks. The Lakewood unit was the only surviving store of a chain of five that Brooks had developed over 25 years. Jack 'n Jill offered a complete line of infants' and children's wear, toys and gifts and a layette department for newborns, managed by a registered nurse. The store, at 15015 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, featured sleek laminate counters and "modernistic" fixtures. The Jack and Jill location later closed and a children's department was established in the 14710 Detroit store.[14]

Fashion

Geiger's has been in the business of fashion for over 80 years, but "fashion" was not a word used in men's clothing in the 1930s. When Charley Geiger Sr. moved to the store's current location in 1936, it was reported that he had "…a knowledge of what interests Lakewood men and boys – and their wives and girlfriends – in the way of haberdashery."[15]

In 1980, Geiger's expanded again, this time adding a women's department. Featuring skirts, slacks, blazers, blouses and accessories, the department, "Ladies, Ltd.," focused on classic tailoring and clothes.[16]

Geiger's has been providing traditional clothing to its customers, offered with its version of customer service for most of its history. Over the years, as the women's department grew, the company moved more and more into more upscale fashion. Geiger's buyers often make purchases with a specific customer in mind.[17]

In the 1980s, Geiger's opened a Pendleton Shop in an old home in Rocky River, Ohio. As a part of their contract with Pendleton, Geiger's was required to stock 75% of the merchandise with Pendleton brand clothing and accessories. In 1996, the store moved to larger quarters in the Old River Shopping area, also in Rocky River. Demand grew at such a pace that a second Geiger's Pendleton Shopped was opened in Medina, Ohio on the historic Medina Town Square. In 2005 the Medina store closed and the Pendleton name and affiliation were dropped in Rocky River, although the store still carried some Pendleton brand items, particularly its iconic women's blazers. The store focused mostly on women's traditional clothing. The response was enthusiastic and the store expanded. A unique aspect of the store was its in-house skilled women's tailor, whose expertise in alterations made certain of exact fits. When the Rocky River location finally closed, fashion ladieswear again became a part of Geiger's Lakewood and Chagrin Falls locations.[18]

Downtown store
Geiger's Downtown Cleveland 2016

In May, 2015, Geiger's announced that it would return to its roots, and open a new store in downtown Cleveland, next to a recently opened Heinen's upscale supermarket. Geiger's return would be their first downtown unit since the original Geiger's chain closed in 1929. The store, which opened in November 2015, is in a renovated commercial/residential building at 1020 Euclid Ave. near the corner of 9th and Euclid. Originally the Truman Building, it was renamed The Ivory by its current owners.

Constructed in 1911, the Truman Building was designed by renowned architect Willard Hirsch. It is one of eight Hirsch structures that still stand in Cleveland. At the time of construction, this building was built with the most concrete of any building in the country. The building once housed the Oppenheimer & Collins Co. women's clothing manufacturer.[19]

In May 2020, after a peaceful demonstration in response to the George Floyd killing, violent rioters vandalized Geiger’s downtown story, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of outdoor gear, shoes and clothing. The store’s windows were smashed and most of its contents, including décor, were taken. There was serious damage to many of the establishments on Euclid Avenue, although the PlayhouseSquare theaters were unharmed.[20]

Community involvement and recognition

Charley Geiger Jr. was named Lakewood's "Citizen of the Year" in 1972. Described as the "…most coveted of all awards bestowed on a Lakewood citizen for distinguished service…," the award is provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The description of the award, the 33rd given, mentioned Geiger's 16 years service on the Board of Education, his work with Kiwanis, service with the YMCA, the Downtown Merchants Association and the Chamber of Commerce. His efforts, said the award, would "…last for generations."[21]

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, on the occasion of its centennial in 2002, awarded its Frank L. Thurber Award (named after the chamber's first president in 1902) to the Geiger Family. Citing the family's business acumen for over 75 years, the award also lauded the family for its notable history of community dedication, serving on the Boards of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, First Federal of Lakewood, Lakewood Board of Education, the Beck Center for the Arts, LakewoodAlive, Kiwanis, Rotary, the Lakewood Hospital Foundation and the Cleveland Yachting Club.[22]

In 2015, 2016 and 2017, the social service agency that is most renowned for providing help to Cuyahoga County’s homeless population partnered with Geiger’s in a drive to provide the homeless with toys for the children and coats for both children and adults. FrontLine Service also enlisted the aid of nearly 20 companies to motivate their employees and other stakeholders to make the clothing and toy donations at all three Geiger’s stores. Seventy families, including over 200 children who are supported by FrontLine’s young adult, family and veterans programs attended the “Twinkle Shop” where the largess from Geiger’s customers was distributed.[23]

Columbus, OH based Heritage Ohio, the state's official historic preservation organization, named Geiger's the 2009 Ohio Main Street Business of the Year for Geiger's involvement in their community, excellence of their physical plant, leading-edge online presence and customer service.[24]

Gordon Geiger was honored with the "Champion Award" of LakewoodAlive, Lakewood's non-profit economic development organization, for his service, particularly as Chairman of the group's Wine and Craft Beer Festival.[25]

The Lakewood Board of Education elected Chas Geiger President of the Board (for the fifth time) on 7 January 2008. Geiger served the Board for more than 20 years until his retirement.[26]

Chas Geiger was named Vice President of the Lakewood Hospital Foundation in 2011. The Hospital Foundation provides philanthropic assistance to Lakewood Hospital.[27]

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References
  1. Chabek, Dan (25 May 1989). "Geiger's has made folks look spiffy for 70 years". Lakewood Sun Post.
  2. "Geiger's store opens tomorrow". Lakewood Post. 28 August 1936.
  3. "Elks Field". Center for Public History and Digital Humanities at Cleveland State University. Cleveland State University. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  4. Downing, Andrea (18 February 1982). "Geiger's synonymous with city sports". Lakewood Sun Post.
  5. "Best Sporting Goods Store". Cleveland Scene. Euclid Media Group. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  6. Ferguson, Ian (March 2007). "They got things started". Skiing Heritage Journal. Burlington, Vermont. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  7. Downing, Andrea (18 February 1982). "Geiger's synonymous with city sports". Lakewood Sun Post.
  8. Glaser, Chris (13 October 2007). "Ski School: Former champ talks about snow and the bottom line". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  9. "America's Best Bootfitter". Ski Magazine. Boulder Colorado: Time, Inc. January 2006. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  10. "Lakewoods Gordon Geiger election to Sports Specialists Limited board of directors". cleveland.com. AdvanceOhio. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  11. "NSSRA elects officers, new directors". NSSRA Newsletter. Mt. Prospect Illinois. May 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  12. Swindell, Mary (16 January 2002). "Lakewood restoration effort "dramatic"". West Life.
  13. "2002 Annual Preservation Awards". Cleveland Restoration Society. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  14. "Geiger's Jack 'n Jill formal opening". West Side News. Comcorp. 16 February 1961.
  15. "Geiger's store opens tomorrow". Lakewood Post. 28 August 1936.
  16. "Geiger's is expanding will add complete women's department". Lakewood Sun Post. ComCorp. 4 September 1980.
  17. McCue, Janet (6 July 1989). "For those counting on Geiger's, a new generation". The Plain Dealer. Cleveland Ohio.
  18. Theiss, Evelyn (18 March 2008). "Fashion Place: Geiger's in Rocky River". The Plain Dealer. Cleveland Ohio.
  19. Bullard, Stan (26 May 2015). "Clothing retailer Geiger's plans new downtown store". Crain's Cleveland Business. Cleveland Ohio: Crain Communications. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  20. Johnston, Laura (31 May 2020). "Downtown Cleveland Geiger's 'cleaned out' during Saturday riots, Cleveland.com, AdvanceOhio". Cleveland.com. Cleveland OH: AdvanceOhio.
  21. Glasser, Joseph (6 July 1972). "Charley Geiger is "Citizen of the Year"". Lakewood Sun Post. ComCorp.
  22. Peck, Cody. "Lakewood Chamber's Centennial Gala is set April 9; Beck Center will host event celebrating 100 years of serving business community". Cleveland.com. AdvanceOhio. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  23. Gibbons, Tom (17 November 2017). "Frontline Service Teams With Geiger's To Provide Toys And Coats For The Homeless". Lakewood Observer (Vol. 13, issue 22). Lakewood OH. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  24. Spirgen, Kate. "Geiger's Clothing & Sports awarded Heritage Ohio Main Street Business of the Year,". Cleveland.com. Cleveland Ohio: AdvanceOhio. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  25. Kovach, Carol. "LakewoodAlive honors volunteers,". Cleveland.com. Cleveland Ohio: AdvanceOhio. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  26. Leatherman, Laura (10 June 2008). "Geiger contributes to Lakewood". Lakewood Observer. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  27. Griesmer, Kris (15 June 2011). "Lakewood Hospital Foundation elects new trustees and officers,". Lakewood Observer. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
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