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Lost department stores: Roos/Atkins (1865—1981)

Roos Brothers began in 1865 when Adolphe, Hippolyte, and Achille Roos opened their first clothing store in San Francisco. By the early 1900s, the brand expanded to multiple Bay Area cities, becoming retail leaders.

In 1957, Roos Brothers was acquired by Edward Gauer, president of Robert S. Atkins Clothing Company. The two brands merged under the name Roos/Atkins. With Gauer at the helm, the chain expanded to 52 upscale stores, specializing in quality tailored and off-the-rack menswear. In 1966, Gauer sold the company to Genesco Inc.— making Roos/Atkins part of a national retail group.

Vintage 1966 Oakland Tribune advertisement featuring Roos/Atkins brand clothing, highlighting turtleneck sweaters as a key fashion item.
August 1966 Oakland Tribune ad showcasing Roos/Atkins with a spotlight on their stylish turtlenecks—classic California fashion for the modern woman.

A few Roos/Atkins store locations

22. Roos/Atkins Hillsdale

Opened September 27, 1962 at Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo.

23. Roos/Atkins Stevens Creek Plaza

Opened on November 14, 1963 at Stevens Creek Plaza in Santa Clara, next to The Emporium.

1963 newspaper ad announcing the grand opening of Roos/Atkins at Stevens Creek Plaza in Santa Clara, located next to The Emporium, with mid-century design and promotional fanfare.
Roos/Atkins celebrated the grand opening of its Stevens Creek Plaza store in Santa Clara on November 14, 1963 — positioned right next to The Emporium, during the golden age of suburban retail expansion.

25. Roos/Atkins Santa Rosa

Opened on August 13, 1964 in Coddingtown Mall.

1964 newspaper advertisement announcing the opening of Roos/Atkins Store 25 at Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa, featuring bold typography and mid-century fashion graphics.
A vintage ad from August 13, 1964, celebrates the opening of Roos/Atkins Store No. 25 at the Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa — part of a mid-century retail boom in Northern California.

26. Roos/Atkins Foothill Square

Opened on November 19, 1964 in Foothill Square in Oakland. It closed in January 1974.

1964 newspaper ad announcing the grand opening of Roos/Atkins Store 26 at Foothill Square in Oakland, featuring classic mid-century graphics and promotional text.
Roos/Atkins Store No. 26 opens at Foothill Square in Oakland — this November 18, 1964 ad reflects the brand’s rapid expansion and mid-century style during a period of suburban retail growth.

Roos/Atkins Almaden Fashion Plaza

Opened August 1, 1968 in San Jose's Almaden Fashion Plaza.

vintage ad for Roos/Atkins store during its 1968 grand opening at Almaden Fashion Plaza in San Jose, with artist's rendering.
Grand opening of Roos/Atkins at Almaden Fashion Plaza in San Jose on August 1, 1968, marking the arrival of the iconic Bay Area menswear retailer to the growing suburban shopping center.

52. Roos/Atkins Eastmont Mall

Opened November 1970 in Eastmont Mall in Oakland. It closed in January 1974.

The end of Roos/Atkins

Genesco struggled to maintain the upscale brand. In October 1980, it announced the chain would be sold. The Roos/Atkins name disappeared in 1981, only to return as Roos Brothers with just 7 stores. But the idea of returning to its roots proved ineffective in the shifting retail landscape of the 1980s. By 1983, only three Roos Brothers stores remained—and by 1984, they had all closed.

If you have any memories of Roos/Atkins, I invite you to share them here.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Those are some really pricey sweaters for 1966 pocketbooks. But I guess since they were from Italy they were swanky must haves! Great ad!
Unknown said…
I remember Roos/Atkins well. My Bar Mitzvah suit came from R/A in Stonestown in 1970.

Note the large number of downtown stores in that group. R/A operated stores both in shopping centers and downtown locations. San Jose, San Mateo, Sacramento, Fresno all had R/A stores that even had night openings several nights a week. Presumably, that was so Mrs. Grey Flannel Suit could accompany her husband for some after-dinner shopping.
Georob said…
The large number of downtown shopping areas is not unusual for Northern California, as many of them had been established prior to World War II and were still thriving in the mid 1960's. However, the next 10-15 years would see a huge change as the large enclosed malls came onto the scene. But in 1966 there still was no SunValley, Stoneridge, or Eastridge, and places like Valley Fair and Bay Fair were still single-anchor outdoor venues.

Still, I look at that list of locations and wonder if stores like Abercrombie or Jos A. Bank would locate there today, and I think about half of them would likely make it, which is pretty good. Many other locations(such as El Cerrito Plaza) have been successfully redeveloped even though they no longer attract mid to upscale clothiers.

BTW, I seem to recall that during its final years in business Roos Atkins reverted back to the "Roos Bros" name, though I don't know why. It obviously didn't work.
Anonymous said…
After doing some research on Pat Welsh the voice of ET,I stumbled across quite by accident. Part of her history... her grandfather was Robert S. Atkins. A few years ago I received an e-mail from her sister, Jane... It reads as Follow:
I remember the Robert S. Atkins store at 150 Sutter St. from my childhood - I'm Robert S. Atkins' granddaughter. The store had black and white tile flooring and neat little change cannisters zinging across the ceiling from the cashier's office. It was the only store of his that was left untouched after the earthquake and fire in 1906; all the others were destroyed. My Grandfather was a respected merchant; he was one of the few who paid back dollar for dollar on destroyed inventory, rather than the 50% discount offered. His father, Robert Calvin Atkins, started the business in 1860. My Grandfather carried on until his death in 1933. My Mother then carried on until the store and the name were sold in 1944. I know they carried quality goods - the Harris tweed jacked my husband had in 1950 still looks like new.

I'm not sure if her sister Jane is still around... never received an e-mail back...
Anonymous said…
I live in reno and visited a really small thrift store in search of a unique suit. I stumbled on this roos atkins suit that was black with the most amazing stitching in the collar and cuffs as well as doen the side of the pants.. I paid $7 dollars for the set.. Good Deal???
tamom said…
I WAS JUST googling Roos-Atkins because it was listed as my great grandfathers employer on his death certificate. He was 3rd generation in SF Bay Area, and family was there for the earthquake. I think he went to art school in SF, but not sure what he did for the "clothier" (as it was put on the cert.) He died in 1963 at age 39. Name was James Rolland Morse. If anyone knows anything about him/his work, please contact me:
tammymerritt@cox.net
Eva Baladad-Mal said…
I was born and raised in S.F. and my first job was at Roos Atkins in the late 70s. I worked in the men's shoe dept. I made $4.10/hr and I was still attending high school. That was a lot of money to me:
SeldomSeenSam said…
I have also seen the Roos Bros name on a sign while visiting in Virginia City, NV, a couple years ago. Was wondering if the Roos Bros had begun their haberdashery after they arrived from France during the Comstock era of Nevada history. Roos Bros had great men's clothing when I shopped at their stores. When they merged with Robert Atkins they added the women's clothing as I recall. I miss the quality, service and the entire experience of shopping with Roos Bros. Old tyme favorites from the past.
Anonymous said…
I have two top hats from 150 sutter street Mr Robert S.Atkins store .Look like Boxes were tied and you just walked out of the store.were Hats are Beautifull ! Have no Idia what Thay are worth .wanting to sell. $$
Jack Pacheco said…
Walt Kraemer created some fantastic radio ads for Roos Atkins. I can send an MP3 to you if you email me jack@jpcreative.com
Unknown said…
Is this Jack Pacheco from SHH 1960-1962?
Joaquin Cedano
joaquincedano@gmail.com
Unknown said…
SJH sorry
Debbie said…
Purchased a vintage Roos/Atkins woman's 3-pc Made in Italy wool suit at an estate sale yesterday. Its navy with bright red and yellow trim with big gold buttons. Curious as to the era, 1950s or 60s? And is it of any value? ~Debbie
Unknown said…
I remember Roos Atkins in the Sun Valley Mall in Concord Ca. My grandparents always loved quality clothing and Roos Atkins was one of my grandparents favorite stores.
Jerry Powell said…
Former employee at Roos/Atkins. Started at Southgate shopping center in Sacramento. Next was weberstown Mall In Stockton. Country Club in Sacramento then to Florin Mall and back to Southgate. Ended up as store manager at Fulton Mall in Fresno. It was a great time in my life.
B2S said…
Two great lines from Roos Atkins ads on KNBR radio in SF: “...sorry sir, no coat, no quiche...”, and “...truck on outta here better lookin’ than you trucked on in lookin’...”

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