History of Churchill's Formalwear, Inc.
On September 28, 1973 William C. Fike, Jr. and Fred H. Clark opened Winnie’s Menswear in Downtown Bloomington. They sold fine men’s clothing to employees of State Farm Insurance Companies at that time, since it was an unwritten dress code that each male employee must dress in traditional business attire. As the years passed, Winnie’s became a household name in the community. Winnie’s was the place to purchase a fine “suit of clothes” and all the accessories! They carried such brands as Hart-Schaffner and Marx, Bill Blass, Cricketeer, H. Freeman & Son, Sir Winston George, and of course SANS-A-BELT. |
Staff of Churchill's Formalwear is ready to work with you! |
As time went on, many changes occurred at Winnie’s. Bill purchased Fred’s interest in the business in 1977, and Bill became sole owner. The business then grew at an astonishing rate, earning the reputation as highest “sales per square foot” than any other store in the nation! Then in 1997 State Farm Insurance instituted their new casual dress policy and Bill had to adapt to the new casual clothing environment. He diversified into casual wear along with developing a new tuxedo rental department.
So June of 1997, Bill started Churchill’s Formal Wear, LTD. As he did in the menswear business in the early 1970’s, Bill brought fresh ideas and new innovations into the tuxedo rental business in McLean County; plus DISCOUNTED RENTAL PRICES which his competitors feared!! Because Churchill’s is located in downtown Bloomington where the overheads are low, Bill is able to offer better quality, better service, and better fittings with his 33 years of experience in the menswear business! Churchill’s is the first to offer FREE DELIVERY of your wedding Tuxedos the day before your special event. In addition, no tuxedo leaves the store until Bill inspects the tuxedo for all parts and to insure all tailoring has been performed. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! And since Churchill’s is affiliated with www.jimsformalwear.com, your out-of-town guest can be fitting in any of over 4,000 stores throughout the nation at NO CHARGE!! No other tuxedo shop in McLean County can make such a claim.
We hope these few paragraphs help you to better understand the relationship between Winnie’s Menswear and Churchill’s Formal Wear.
Warmest regards,
Jim Carroll, Owner
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