Giblees at 75: A North Shore Institution Still Redefining Luxury Retail

In an era where fast fashion dominates closets and two-day shipping trumps tailored service, there’s one place on Boston’s North Shore that’s been doing things differently - for 75 years. Giblees Fine Men’s Clothing in Danvers, Massachusetts, proves that timeless service, curated style, and quality craftsmanship never go out of fashion.

Founded in 1949 by Joe Gibeley, a Depression-era hat salesman who opened a storefront in Salem under the name “Joe the Hatter,” Giblees has evolved from humble beginnings into one of the most respected names in men’s luxury retail. Now helmed by third-generation owner and president Alan Gibeley, the business is thriving in a space more than 10,000 square feet, offering one of the largest selections of designer menswear in New England.

“From day one, we’ve focused on offering top-tier menswear—carefully curated, impeccably made, and built to last,” says Gibeley. “But just as important is the way we treat our customers.”

That commitment to experience has defined Giblees for generations. More than just a clothing store, it’s a destination. Walk through the newly renovated space—complete with New York-inspired showcase windows, wood floors, and modernized lighting—and you’re met with more than aesthetics. You’re greeted by a team of stylists trained not only in the technical differences between wool and linen, or a ticket pocket and a peak lapel, but in the art of hospitality.

“There’s a tailor at this store every hour, every minute that we’re open,” says Gibeley. Whether you need a suit sleeve adjusted or a fully custom wardrobe built from scratch, Giblees makes it happen—on-site, without compromise.

That’s a far cry from the cookie-cutter e-commerce experience many shoppers have grown accustomed to. Here, you can feel the fabrics, try on garments with guidance, and be fitted by experts who care deeply about making sure your clothes look and feel exactly right. And while the service might feel old-school, the fashion is anything but.

From Italian linen shirts and European suiting to statement outerwear and tailored casualwear, Giblees stays ahead of the curve by offering on-trend, luxury pieces that rival what’s available in the world’s top fashion cities. Much of the merchandise is handpicked directly from Florence, Chicago, and New York, and includes designers like Bogner, Eton, and Herno. And now, the store’s growing women’s section—led by Alan’s sister Alison—is bringing that same standard of style and service to a broader audience.

Still, as the business modernizes, it holds fast to its roots. “When I was a kid, the store was a clubhouse. My dad was always there, so that’s where everyone came to see him,” says Gibeley, who began working alongside his father at the age of 10. “That’s the way it still is for me.”

Giblees’ legacy isn’t just stitched into the fabric of the suits it sells—it’s woven through family tradition, local loyalty, and a bold belief that personal connection is the most powerful currency in retail. Today, shoppers return not just for the impeccable tailoring or hand-selected fashion, but for a level of trust rarely found in modern retail.

Earlier this year, Gibeley was named “Specialty Merchant of the Year” by MR Magazine, the menswear industry’s leading publication. “It’s a validation of everything we’ve worked toward,” says Gibeley, who credits his team’s relentless dedication as the heart of the business. And with his daughter currently studying at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, a fourth generation may not be far behind.

Tom Cohan, a longtime friend and fashion advisor, summed it up best during Giblees’ 75th anniversary celebration: “They’ve quietly and humbly become one of the finest retailers in America. Their newly renovated store, fun-loving clients, and knowledgeable staff ensure the next 75 years will be just as fabulous.”

In a world rushing toward automation and convenience, Giblees stands as a reminder that some things—like great service, expert tailoring, and timeless style—only get better with age.