Our Story
Where it All Started
Undeterred by the Great Depression, Richard John Ferguson launched Dick Ferguson's Clothing Store in downtown Athens (July 1934). A time in the nation where style was a function of quality built workwear. Key products would have included: Stetson headwear, Alden boots & Hart Schaffner Suits. Athens was a growing town, and the University of Georgia provided a consistent stream of new clients to assist the business in its early years.
Mrs. Ferguson Takes the Reigns
Shortly after the business had taken hold, Mr. Ferguson sadly passed leaving the store's operations to his wife, Mary Ferguson. Mary took the store into a new era in the nation. Following the ending of the World War II, life in the nation picked up a new pace adding new categories of style and goods. The store adapted well under Mrs. Ferguson during these years.
Dick Ferguson Jr.
The Consummate Gentleman
Elizabeth led the store into many years of success until handing off the lead role to her son, Richard C. Ferguson, Jr., in the early 1960's. Dick navigated the store through nearly 60 years of what could be considered the glory days of retail. An accountant by education, his understanding of business defined the perseverance that held Dick Ferguson's as a staple clothing shop in town. As true of a gentleman as they come, Dick built favor with customers by providing excellent service and good conversation. His creativity and work ethic launched the store into decades of sportswear, preppy style, collegiate themed apparel and more.
The Saxon Shop
During his early years in the store, Dick turned the basement level into a new world of collegiate style dubbed "The Saxon Shop". The college man's apparel in these days was more classical in fabric and color than that of modern goods. Products would have included: Corbin Trousers, POLO Ralph Lauren knits & sweaters, Repp Ties, Alden Shell Cordovan Penny loafers, Gold Cup socks, herringbone jackets, and more.
`
Baxter Street
In 2015, Dick made the exciting venture to move his store location to the up and coming Baxter St. Since moving locations, Baxter has seen an explosion of other new businesses join the mix, such as Monkee's, The Farm Cart, Salon DM3, Yonder Yoga, and more.
New Path, Old Ways
In early 2020, we made some big additions to our store. We began mixing in our current collections with a select few premium outdoors goods providers. Dick Ferguson's has always been a place for quality goods built for daily use. Our focus remains the same, but includes products geared for use outside. Whether it's an upland trip or a weekend in Appalachian streams, we'll be happy to swap stories and assist with your gear.
The Dick Ferguson's Man
Throughout nine decades of business we feel confident in providing the right service, the right knowledge and the right products to the distinct gentleman we dub: "The Dick Ferguson's Man". While we live in a world more casual than years past, we still believe the art of style and dressing well still thrives in communities like ours.
