Our Story

History of Bernard’s Store for Men

Historic downtown Jasper’s history is rich. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Jasper, on the Square, across from the Walker County Courthouse, Bernard’s Store for Men is a part of this history. The main building of Bernard’s Store for Men was built in 1895. Bernard’s building was built in 1905. In the early 1900’s, it was home to R. Green General Mercantile which sold feed, seed, hats, shoes, sewing needles, thread, etc.

Bernard Weinstein bought the building from the Green family in 1949 and opened Bernard’s Store for Men. The business prospered with Weinstein’s attention to personal customer service. Rusty Richardson began working for Bernard’s in 1974 as a 16-year-old high school student and continued working there through his college years. It was during this time that Rusty paid attention to the wisdom Bernard imparted to him. Bernard told him, "Rusty, whatever you do, don’t ever make a first impression. Do your best to treat everyone nice and kind, and all the rest will take care of itself. Treat everybody the best you possibly can."
In May 1980, Rusty graduated from UAB with a degree in Marketing and was promoted to store manager. Bernard Weinstein suddenly passed away in July 1980 and the store was sold to Chuck Hockenberry. Rusty continued as manager until he bought the store in 1988.
Rusty and Elizabeth Richardson and their team have continued to provide excellent personal service and make people feel at home when they come to Bernard's. Free alterations with purchase, free in-town delivery and free gift wrap are some of the services they provide to their customers. Made to measure suits, custom fit shirts and monogramming are services they offer as well.

"We have been blessed to have so many loyal friends and customers throughout the years. We try our best to continue the tradition that Bernard Weinstein started; customer service to the nth degree. We value our friends and customers. We want you to feel comfortable when you come to Bernard’s and we’ll help you in any way we can. We’re a down-home store with an old-fashioned way of doing business, but with a little flair."

Rusty and Elizabeth Richardson

We enjoyed celebrating Bernard's 75th Anniversary in the Men's clothing business September 20 - 21, 2024. Click here to see some photos of our celebration.