Longtime Athens Businesses Close

After more than 100 years in downtown Athens, the grocery W.B. Steedman & Son has closed, said Johnny Steedman. The foundry street facility was popular in the fall, selling mounds of pecans as the North Georgia Pecan Company.

Steedman wrote in an email:

Lost our lease on Foundry St. We will move the pecan company to Oneta St but the wholesale meat business will close Monday April 1st 2013. We had a great 107 years thanks to our customers and friends. Special thanks to Paul Cramer and his staff at the Classic Center for being supportive from the beginning. Is Athens great or what?

Thomas Hinson, who bought George Gibson's Menswear in 2008, told the Athens Banner Herald that Monday was the store's last day. For the remainder of this week, employees will fill pre-made orders and return clothing dropped off for alterations for the rest of the week.

In a statement, the Gibson family said:

“The Gibson family believes there is still a place and an opportunity for high quality menswear retailers in Athens and Northeast Georgia. The estate will seek a buyer for the store – including its 49-year old brand name, existing inventory, and furniture, fixtures and equipment – in the next few weeks. The goal will be to find a buyer who will embrace the store’s legacy while considering the tastes and buying habits of a new generation. Please visit our Facebook page for periodic updates on this process. Existing customers awaiting alterations or other needs can call (706) 548-4663 and make an
appointment with Patrick or Jim.”

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