About J. B. Evans
About Us.
Our store specializes in quality brands, products, and service for both women and men. Family owned and operated since 1912, we are committed to providing the most inclusive shopping experience. We fulfill every one of our customers unique requirements in terms of style, tailoring and footwear. Four simple words sum up our trademark style: fabric, quality, colour and cut. These characteristics, together with a wealth of experience, a wide range of expertise and handpicked suppliers, form the foundations of J.B Evans. We suit Thunder Bay!
Our History.
For John Beaconsfield Evans, a routine two-hour railway stop in 1903 was the start of a life-long career in the clothing business, and the start of a four-generation family business lasting over a 100 years.
While returning home to Corinth, Ontario, from a stint of harvesting out west, the young John Evans was inspired to explore job opportunities in the booming pioneer city of Fort William. After working for nine years for clothing retailer Rutledge & Jackson, John opened his own store on October 1st 1912 at 122 W. Frederica Street - where it remains to this day. The original store encompassed 2,000 square feet of space and has now grown to over 6,000.
Store management has also remained in the family since 1912. John's son Jack took the reins in 1935 after completing high school. Jack Evans began his career as a businessman and manager. Evans ran the business until 1974 when he then passed it on to his son-in-law Jack Moro. Today Jack along with his wife Barbara (Evans) and their son Andrew maintain the Evans standard of quality, service and style.