by Sequim Gazette Staff

After close to 100 years, The Toggery clothing store in Port Angeles is closing.

Owners Roy and Mary Gotham said it was a decision they struggled with, after trying unsuccessfully to find a buyer for more than two years, but they decided it was time to retire.

“We’re going to miss all of our customers,” Roy Gotham said. “We just don’t know how many more days we’ve got left so we have to focus on our bucket list while we can.”

The store opened on Front Street in downtown Port Angeles in 1914 and moved to its current location on First Street in 1965. The Gothams bought the store in 1986 and were the fifth and longest owners.

Before that, Roy Gotham was a retail manager at Lamonts and at Peoples department store before that. He worked in retail for more than 50 years.

Gotham said The Toggery saw very little turnover in employees and had up to 12 at one time, but more recently had seven.

“They’re all going to take the summer off,” he said, adding some are also likely to retire.

All items at The Toggery were marked down 40 percent Sunday and the sale will continue until all items are sold.

Gotham said the public has received news of the store’s closing just as they expected.

“They’re going to miss us,” he said. “They appreciate all the service and clothes we provided for them and their families.”

The Toggery’s tuxedo rental service, including any current rental reservations, moves next door to Black Diamond Bridal, 109 E. First St., 452-2354.