Blume to retire

Larry Blume, owner of The Guardsman men’s clothing store in South Sound Center, is calling it quits after 46 years. Blume said he will work until the end of the year, through the Christmas season, then close his store.

“I’ve been thinking about retiring and closing the store for sometime now,” he said. “This current poor economic climate just made the decision easier.”

Blume opened his store when South Sound Center opened for business on October 12, 1966. At one time he had two stores both selling men’s clothing. The Guardsman provided quality clothing for mature men, while The Guardhouse carried clothing for young men.

When South Sound Center closed as an enclosed mall, Blume moved The Guardsman to its current location in the Center.

Blume is closing the store and does not intend to sell it to someone else.