About Rugged WEARhouse Discount Clothing
Welcome to Rugged Wearhouse, a rapidly growing, off-price specialty retailer. After its first store opened in Frederick, Maryland, in 1996, the company became so successful that it incorporated as a Pennsylvania corporation in June 1997. During the late 1990s, Rugged Wearhouse experienced its initial growth phase, opening 15 stores in Maryland and Virginia. Since then, Rugged has expanded rapidly in the southeast. Ambitious growth plans project the construction of more than 100 stores within the next few years.
The Rugged Wearhouse concept, developed from the value/price-driven philosophy, caters to the needs of young, contemporary adults with such products as men and women’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. The core of our merchandise mix is casual, contemporary fashion—fashion that appeals to mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons…anyone who enjoys today's relaxed, informal lifestyle. We've expanded our concept to include home furnishings, accessories, and lifestyle products in select markets.
Rugged Wearhouse stores average 12,000 square feet of selling space, in an environment that reflects the "Rugged" theme. Our customers' shopping experiences are enhanced by their ability to browse through departments framed in rough-hewn wood. Bright, colorful "lifestyle" signage and soft rock music reinforce the contemporary tone. Every effort—from eye-catching displays to imaginative merchandising—is made to make our customers' visit to a Rugged Wearhouse enjoyable.
At Rugged Wearhouse, we pride ourselves on being a first-class retailer that deals with our customers, associates, and vendors with integrity and loyalty. Come and experience a Rugged Wearhouse store for yourself! Visit the Store Locator for directions to any of our great locations.
STYLE FROM THE START
Rugged Wearhouse founders, the Gabriel family, were pioneers in the discount retail clothing business long before the birth of the outlet center concept. The Gabriel style of merchandising actually dates back to the 1920s when Lebanese immigrant Z.G. Gabriel peddled merchandise in the tiny coal towns scattered throughout Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
As the company has grown, so has our passion for providing value. In an Associated Press article about the Gabriel Brothers/Rugged Wearhouse shopping experience, reporter Vicki Smith wrote:
"Devotees compete for the deal of the day, spending hours sorting through racks crammed with hip style, big brand names and shockingly low prices."
