I called by Sam Bear, the great clothing and footwear shop located at 225 Russell Street near Latrobe Street in Melbourne. The shop has been operated by Trevor Bear for many years, but the building - a rare single story in this part of town - is being renovated.
Trevor has been selling off his remaining stock as he prepares to move out.
He has been offered retail space when the building works are completed, but he is not sure he will return after several decades in retail.
The shop was established in 1972 and is a Melbourne icon. I will be very sorry to see it go.
Trevor paid for some advertising in the 1981 edition of "Rocks in the Head", the Latrobe University Mountaineering Club journal that I edited while at Latrobe Uni.
Over the years, I have bought work cloths, boots, bags and camping equipment from the shop. I even bought a Drizabone coat for my dog Sam, which he still enjoys wearing in the winter.
Trevor told me that retail in Melbourne is getting harder as many online businesses are operated out of garages and don't pay expensive rent.
Trevor has employed a lot of people over the years in his shop.
Drop by to get a bargain. You might never have another chance.
Trevor has been selling off his remaining stock as he prepares to move out.
He has been offered retail space when the building works are completed, but he is not sure he will return after several decades in retail.
The shop was established in 1972 and is a Melbourne icon. I will be very sorry to see it go.
Trevor paid for some advertising in the 1981 edition of "Rocks in the Head", the Latrobe University Mountaineering Club journal that I edited while at Latrobe Uni.
Over the years, I have bought work cloths, boots, bags and camping equipment from the shop. I even bought a Drizabone coat for my dog Sam, which he still enjoys wearing in the winter.
Trevor told me that retail in Melbourne is getting harder as many online businesses are operated out of garages and don't pay expensive rent.
Trevor has employed a lot of people over the years in his shop.
Drop by to get a bargain. You might never have another chance.
9 comments:
Going forward is a backward step when stores like Sam Bear disappear. A city without a store like Sam Bear is like 'all dressing and no soul'
Just did my annual trip to Sam bear to get my New blundstone dress boots to see me out for another year , very disappointed as I stand out front here with well worn boots that need to be updated.
Sad to see Sam Bears gone, went there today not knowing, walked past at first and had to double back. I am sure I first purchased from Sams back around 1967, Wrangler Jeans & Jacket, used to buy the old Miller Shirts with the press stud buttons. Have always bought my Levis there, also some boots and camping gear, knives and Bino's (can't spell Binoculars). Never had a paint job inside, character!!!
Very sad day to see Sam bear closed , I first went there when I was 12 yrs old with my father , been going ever since , got my first pocket knife there , still use it .
Drive past the store on friday night and had to do a blockie. I thought I missed the store. Second time around I realised the store was empty and the building is being renovated. So sad They had been around since Cocky was an egg. I used to buy all my clothes there years ago. I Very rarely get into the city these days.
Here it is 2016 and I'm still grieving. Where am I going to buy my next pair of Levis? Where?? Great photos by the way.
I remember going there in the 1970s. I used to buy all my Miller shirts and levis jeans from him . Never used to try the jeans on just asked for a pair of levis 28 waist 28 leg and were a perfect fit , I'd be struggling to fit into that size now .
Brother and I would often go in for our Levi jackets and Jeans and Miller shirts and ripper Kodiak Hunting Boots. Terrific place thanks.
Btw another good shop was Epsteins in Flinders Street. Cheers Micnec
Back in the early 70's my buddy Gary Meyers worked there along with Iannos.
Trevor Bear was a top dude, as was his dad who I dealt with a few times.
Those were the days!!
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