About Us
Giblees has been providing the finest of men's wear and personalized service in the New England area for more than 50 years. From causal to formal, Giblees offers one of the largest inventories and selections of men's designer clothing in all of New England. The unique merchandise is chosen from around the world and not commonly found in a typical men's store. The service is just as upscale as the clothing. All the sales associates have extensive fashion training and help customers choose items that best meet their style and budget requirements. Plus, the management team of Robert, Alan and Jeff Gibeley, are always available on an appointment or walk-in basis.
History of Giblees
In the late 1950’s, Joe Gibeley opened the store when he was in his early twenties. Like his offspring, he was an entrepreneur at a young age and enjoyed wearing fine clothing. To make money, he sold gum with his brother on the subways of New York City and he also installed marquees. But his main love was shining shoes and cleaning hats, which eventually led him to selling hats and opening his store "Joe The Hatter”, in Salem. Although other family members contributed to the success of the store, Joe’s sons, Robert and Albert, had the strongest influence in broadening the store into a full-line of quality men’s wear. Today, the store is managed by second and third generations of Gibeleys, and surpasses its competitors in its offering of fine quality merchandise and service. You might say its success is in the "jeans".
Why is the store spelled Giblees?
If the owners' last name is Gibeley, why is the store spelled "Giblees." The
original sign posted on Washington Street in Salem was spelled "Gibley's,"
but the "Y" descended too low over the door, causing customers to bump
their heads. In line with providing high customer service, the Gibeley
family changed the "Y" to an "E." Later, owner Alan Gibeley, hemmed the
sign further by dropping the apostrophe.
About Robert Gibeley
Bob, as he is more commonly known, began working in the store with his father
when he was a sophomore in high school. Throughout the years, he grew the
business into a full-line of quality men’s wear in response to requests from his
clients. His vision of Giblees was to merge fashion with the needs of clients. This
philosophy became the cornerstone of Giblees. It is one of the main reasons that
clients continue to shop at Giblees — year after year —generation after
generation.
Giblees is the fabric of Bob. The store is like his home where people stop by on a
daily basis to say hello. As the father of 13, his children and grandchildren visit
him frequently even if it is just to bring him lunch. Long-time clients enjoy sharing
their pictures with Bob from their travels and events sporting Giblees attire. He is
also a favorite friend of local auto dealers who show off their hottest new car
models to him. With his love of family, friends & fashion all under one roof, there’s
never been a day that Bob has considered retiring. Why would he?
About Alan Gibeley
About Alan Gibeley
Alan Giblee earned his first dollar at Giblees dusting the bottom of pant racks
and vacuuming the carpet when he was just 10. He continued working part-time
at the store throughout his youth. In 1996 he devoted all his time to the store,
after graduating from Syracuse University with a major in retailing. While
attending college he frequently visited both U.S. and international fabric and
clothing manufacturers, where he received additional training about the
industry. As third generation owner of Giblees, Alan manages the store under the
watchful eye of his father, Bob, and continues to provide the quality of service
and apparel that his grandfather would expect from his lineage.
When Alan is not working at Giblees, which is not all that frequent, he spends
time with his family and enjoys golfing, running, skiing and watching professional
sports team, but is always keeping fashion top of mind.
About Jeff Gibeley
Like his father and brother, Jeff started working at the store at an early age.
Recognizing the need for tuxedo wear, Jeff grew the business from renting a half
of dozen tuxedos on a weekend to 400 — in just 11 years. Giblees is the premier
provider of formal wear in all of the North Shore offering an extensive in-stock
selection of tuxedo apparel in a myriad of styles and sizes.
River House
Giblees is dedicated to providing quality clothing throughout
the community, even those in need. In reflection of their
commitment, they donate thousands of dollars worth of clothing
to River House, Inc., a year-round homeless shelter serving the
chronically mentally ill who are homeless. Through their selfsufficiency
program, River House provides individualized case
management, including job search assistance, to help their
North Shore guests get back on their feet.