Roos/Atkins was formed in 1957 when Robert S. Atkins bought the Roos Brothers clothiers chain. During its heyday, Roos/Atkins had 52 stores and would be found in every desirable shopping location.
Every now and then I run into a vintage ad that I just love. This one from August 11, 1966.
 |
| From an August 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—Roos/Atkins and importante turtle necks. |
The Roos/Atkins name disappeared in 1981, only to return as Roos Brothers with just 7 stores. By 1983, only 3 Roos Brothers stores remained, and they closed in 1984.
If you have any memories of Roos/Atkins, I invite you to share them here.
Comments
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.
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.
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...
tammymerritt@cox.net
Joaquin Cedano
joaquincedano@gmail.com
Joaquin Cedano
joaquincedano@gmail.com