At the Foursome we love good stories, especially those that involve determination, values, work ethic, and family. These days, they are not easy to come by — the grassroots, small-town hardware store, and “made in America” kind of stories that are worth knowing. These kinds of companies involve real people committed to something more than the bottom line. Quality goods, customer satisfaction, and a good handshake always seem to be a part of the story. This is our story, and we love to buy from companies with similar ones. As The Foursome founder Ron Engel used to say, “We don’t just sell clothes, we build relationships.”
OUR STORY
The Foursome story began in 1935 when a group of golf-playing school teachers decided to open a small general clothing store together. In 1955 Ron Engel and his wife Lucille became part-owners of The Foursome, Ron selling and Lucille doing bookkeeping and alterations. The business took on a true family flavor when their son Gordy — currently the company president —joined the business in 1969. Over the last decade, the business became a family enterprise. Four of Gordy’s children and a daughter-in-law have joined The Foursome team, using their unique interests and talents to enhance the business.
The Foursome started in Wayzata, and now Plymouth is our home. We have grown, downsized, survived a weak economy, and persevered through challenges. Through it all, we continue to keep pace with changing times. Like the little engine that could, cheerfully pressing on over the big hills, we are still a family and business. We remain committed to what matters most to us, namely our customers. We take pride in helping them feel comfortable and confident in the quality clothing we sell.
We have always been steadfast about community involvement, so we weren’t surprised when ‘shopping local’ became a trend. We have supported our community since the beginning. We participate by providing employment, volunteering, advertising, and contributing to food shelves, sports teams, clubs, and religious organizations. As a family business, we value knowing and helping people — both our customers and our neighbors. We consider ourselves a rarity in this day-and-age. For people who value knowing where their merchandise is made, appreciate friendly and expert service, and love a good story, The Foursome is your family to shop with.
We choose brands that are made in the USA, whenever possible. The pressure to move manufacturing offshore is strong. A competitive economy makes it especially difficult for small companies not to do so. But we have found a few that have stood against the tide. They all exhibit grit, determination, and a commitment to our country. We proudly honor them and their stories with our Made in the USA promotion.
Why does it matter? Goods made in the USA use less fossil fuel than those that are imported. The companies that make them are vital to our nation’s economy. They form the backbone of our society, by creating jobs and hope in towns across the United States. It feels good to do what is right.
OUR AMERICAN MADE BRANDS
ALLEN EDMONDS
Port Washington, Wisconsin
Established in 1922, Allen Edmonds is a company rich in Heritage. In the 1930s Allen Edmonds weathered the Great Depression by working even harder to reach customers who cared about gold standard quality. As many other shoe manufacturers went out of business, the management team kept Allen Edmonds on track by staying true to the company’s core values and superior craftsmanship. It wasn’t long before Allen Edmonds were being worn by Presidents, Popes and Pros. (Reagan, GW Bush, Clinton, Pope John Paul II, etc.)
Today, instead of following the trend to move manufacturing offshore, Allen Edmonds invested millions to modernize its US manufacturing facilities. The company employs over 280 employees at their expanding Wisconsin shoe factory. ” Our longevity is also attributable to the company being at its heart, a family business.” Our family at The Foursome can say the same is true for us!
We are proud to offer and extensive selection of Allen Edmonds footwear in-store and online.
AG
South Gate, California
In 2000, successful European designer Adriano Goldschmied joined forces with the California-based Koos Manufacturing, a respected producer of quality jeans. Goldschmied was ready for a U.S. brand, believing that “nothing more than jeans represent the spirit of America”. AG has since become synonymous with great quality, design, and state-of-the-art washes.
In the fall of 2004, Adriano and Mr. Ku mutually decided to end their association, with Adriano leaving his namesake company to venture out on his own. Under the direction of Mr. Ku, the AG team has maintained its commitment to the “made in the U.S.A.” label, and is dedicated to the continued development of the brand with the utmost attention to detail and quality.
We are proud to offer AG Jeans for men at The Foursome.
Bill’s Khakis
Reading, Pennsylvania
Bill’s founder discovered a pair of original World War II khakis at an Army surplus store while in college. They were remarkably comfortable, deep pocketed, and built to withstand just about anything. He felt that modern-day khakis paled in comparison, and so set out to save this small but symbolic piece or Americana.
The Bill’s Khakis company has been through some recent changes and new ownership, but we are proud to one again offer this authentic American brand at The Foursome!
CARROT & GIBBS
Boulder, Colorado
Carrot & Gibbs was founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 1987. Neil Borin, one of the original owners, knows his bows. You will never see a Carrot & Gibbs tie that has been fashioned out of stacked fabric and cut en masse. Carrot & Gibbs bow ties are created from specially selected imported 100% silk fabrics, predominately woven and printed. Each tie is individually cut, sewn and pressed by hand here in the United States. And rather than a metal clasp at the back, you will find mother-of-pearl buttons. Carrot & Gibbs is proud to be associated with this small piece of cloth with its 400-year heritage. The bow tie inspires a staunch loyalty that can only be understood by those independent thinkers who look into the mirror, tie their bows, and go forth as proud members of this civilized minority. Click here for a step by step bow tying guide.
FITSOK
Hickory, North Carolina
At FITSOK, the mission is simple; Give athletes the best in engineered fit and performance. They are committed to offering products that allow everyone to excel. Whether running, biking or training, each FITSOK pushes the boundaries of moisture and temperature management. From the athletic CF2 to the feature rich CX3 and the advanced ISW, the entire FITSOK lineup is designed to keep feet dry, comfortable and cool. Every sock is packed with tech, built right here in the USA. Running isn’t just a sport – it’s a lifestyle.
Hardwick
Cleveland, Tennessee
Hardwick Clothes, America’s oldest continuously operated tailored clothing manufacturer, has called Cleveland, Tennessee its home since 1880. Since it’s founding, the company has endured factory fires, economic recessions, two World Wars, inflation and leisure suits. Despite these challenges, Hardwick has continued to provide some of the best garments made in America.
We are proud to offer Hardwick sport coats at The Foursome.
HART SCHAFFNER MARX
Chicago, Illinois
Hart Schaffner Marx is an American story. In 1887, two immigrant brothers by the names of Harry and Max Hart scraped together just enough money to open up a men’s clothier in downtown Chicago. Through their tireless work, savvy innovation (the first to introduce suits tailored for different body types, zippered trousers and tropical weight wool suits, amongst other things) and an unwavering commitment to dressing men in high-quality clothing produced right here in the USA, the brothers grew their company into one of the largest men’s suit manufacturers in the world. HSM continues in that tradition today, giving well-dressed men of conviction the style and grace they demand in the American-made choice they deserve. With a 120 year heritage, the HMX group is the leading American clothing manufacturer and marketer.
JZ RICHARDS
Boulder, Colorado
There is an actual JZ! Jan Zumbrennen (Richard Jan Zumbrennen) founded JZ Richards 17 years ago. By 1994 when the company was founded, he had over 20 years of experience in the neckwear industry having worked with Bert Politzer, Robert Talbott, and Farrell Reed. Jan’s goal was to incorporate the best components of each of those companies under a single roof, and JZ Richards was born. The company was founded in 1994 in the Zumbrennen living room. In fact, the first JZ Richards Line was swatched on top of the family’s pool table. Then, as now, the company is based in beautiful Boulder Colorado in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The Wild Horse Studio, set 7,000 feet above sea level with sweeping mountain views, has been the inspiration for the vast majority of JZ Richards’ designs over the years. The main office “down the mountain” in Boulder proper is filled with long term employees committed to maintaining the high standards that JZ Richards customers have come to expect over the years.
J.Z. Richards ties are hand-made in the U.S.A. The quality American craftsmanship that goes into every J.Z. Richards tie results in a durable tie that knots easily, doesn’t slip, and is quality inside and out. Your J.Z. Richards tie always looks great. And so will you.
Mizzen + Main
Dallas, Texas
This new and innovative company has turned traditional menswear on its collar. They believe a man on the move shouldn’t require an outfit changed at every stop. These performance fabric dress shirts may make you wonder why you wore cotton shirts for so long. It’s tradition evolved.
All Mizzen + Main shirts are cut and sewn right here in the U.S. They are strong believers in having a positive impact on our country and being American-made is core to who we are.
The Foursome is pleased to offer customers the Mizzen+Main shirt collection.
SKIP GAMBERT
Newark, New Jersey
When a hand-crafted “made to measure” shirt is what you desire, Skip Gambert & Associates is The Foursome’s obvious choice. Since 1992, this American manufacturer has been producing great products with a genuine craft ethos. Take a minute to watch this video of the factory and witness the remarkable care and pride of the workers at Skip Gambert.
SMARTWOOL
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
SmartWool is a company based on values, advocacy, and community. “We want to affect positive change in the world within which we live, play and do business. We believe in capitalism with a conscience. We acknowledge an accountability to all humankind, demonstrated through compassion, active kindness and respect.”
Founded by New England ski instructors, the company swears by the amazing natural fibers of merino wool. They have worked extensively with their New Zealand sheep growers on the fair treatment of sheep. 90% of all SmartWool socks are knit right here in the U.S.A.
ST. CROIX KNITS
Winona, Minnesota
Nearly 50 years ago, Bernhard Brenner came to America as a young knitting engineer from Europe with a singular vision: “To make the finest sweater that can be made.” Amid the scenic bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River Valley at Winona, Minnesota, Mr. Brenner founded Knitcraft Corporation with the belief that Winona’s beautiful countryside and the strong work ethic of its residents would be key to achieving his vision. In a short time, the St. Croix label became synonymous with perfection in craftsmanship and styling and earned its reputation as the world’s highest quality knitwear.
Not only is St. Croix American made, it’s Minnesota made! This quality and world-renowned menswear collection is made so close to the Foursome, we consider it local. As a family business, we especially value buying merchandise from our neighbors who we know personally.
Shop our large selection of St. Croix items in-store or online.
TORINO LEATHER CO
New Orleans, Louisiana
The rich heritage New Orleans possesses makes a perfect setting for Torino Leather’s old world craftsmanship. Torino Leather emerged after Katrina when four partners invested in new equipment and raw materials and started production in early 2006. The business has continued to grow steadily since that time and is now the premiere US manufacturer of fine belts and luxury leather goods. Most of their experienced craftspeople have worked with Torino Leather since its inception and have contributed in a major way to their success and growth.
“Although extremely challenging, those tough times have made us all stronger and more committed to making Torino Leather successful.”
TORI RICHARD
Honolulu, HI
From their headquarters in Honolulu, Tori Richard is a resort lifestyle company. Founded in 1956, Tori Richard, Ltd. is still today a family business driven by an appreciation of unique fabrications and globally inspired prints. The first factory was on Pier 7 in downtown Honolulu. At high tide it was not unusual to see wet floorboards. As the business quickly grew, founder Mort Feldman moved the factory to a Quonset hut on Beretania Street in Honolulu. Over the years, the family business changed and adapted, but stayed true to their Hawaiian inspiration and values. In December of 2008, Tori Richard, Ltd became one of the world’s first solar powered apparel manufacturers and retailers. This unique, $1.1 million photo voltaic system provided their corporate headquarters and warehouses in Honolulu with 94% of all its electricity needs.
The Foursome offers Tori Richard shirts for men and big & tall men in-store and online.
WIGWAM
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Since 1905, my family has been committed to our employees, our community, and making fine quality socks just for you” – Bob Chesebro, President. Wigwam Mills, Inc. is proud to knit its socks in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S.A., just for you because we care. We care that thousands of manufacturers in this country sacrifice quality for less-expensive labor in other areas of the world, to increase the bottom line. We care about the environmental, sociological, and financial implications of this policy.
Our manufacturing facility is state of the art and getting more “green” all of the time. We have and are working with local utilities to improve our efficiency and limit our carbon footprint. We support wool producers in this country by sourcing our wool almost exclusively from American yarn spinners who buy from American wool growers. And we support domestic yarn spinners whenever possible. For over 100 years, Wigwam has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of our customers. We have done this not just through providing them the finest quality socks, but by providing them with the assurance that their purchase of Wigwam socks supports its reputation of honesty and integrity.
WOODLORE
Port Washington, Wisconsin
Since the company was founded in 1987, the demand for Woodlore cedar products has grown. Their goal is to build a reputation for quality that is as strong as the wood they use. They use kiln-dry lumber to a precise moisture content and carefully control humidity levels throughout the manufacturing process to prevent cracking and warping. Fine sanding gives every surface a silken finish. Such uncompromising standards bring out the lasting beauty of their natural cedar products.
At Woodlore, they understand the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. After all, their business depends on natural resources. That is why they practice selective cutting, which allows aromatic cedar to grow faster than it’s harvested. They follow manufacturing techniques designed to waste as little as possible. Even their wood chips, shavings and sawdust get put to good use. Plus, packaging is both recycled and recyclable.
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All Made in the U.S.A. brands are 20% off at The Foursome May 21-29, 2018. We are closed Memorial Day, Monday May 28th. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Mizzen + Main
The Foursome Thread 