Highway expansion configuration cited as reason for end of an era

ASHEBORO — An Asheboro institution since 1969 is holding a “going out of business sale.” 

The Clothes Wearhouse store at 1640 US 64 West is selling its entire stock at reduced prices.

Gene Isom, the manager, said the Branson family decided to close the longtime apparel shop after learning that the widening of Highway 64 will include a concrete barrier between the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Vehicles traveling east would be unable to cross over to the store and those going west can enter the parking lot but wouldn’t be able to exit back toward the east. 

The owners realized that the new configuration will severely limit customer access to the building.

Isom said the business was begun by the late Chet Branson, who started out in 1969 in an old chicken house on Bunting Road. 

According to Randolph County GIS, the buildings at the current location were constructed in 1977 on approximately four acres.

“I’ve been here since 1991,” Isom said, adding that seeing the business close is “tough. “

It’s a great family to work for. It’s bittersweet. I’m sad it’s coming to an end but I’ll be doing something new.”

A South Carolina company is running the closing sale and plans to have everything out, even the fixtures, by Dec. 14. But, as Isom said, “There’s no time schedule.”

Clothes Wearhouse is open seven days a week until the business closes for good. The hours are: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.