Skip to content

Trail Blazers: Lauriente’s kept locals dressed in the finest fashion

Trail Blazers is a weekly feature in partnership with the Trail Museum and Archives
23884841_web1_210114-TDT-Trail-Blazers-January_2
Lauriente’s Clothing always made sure to have beautiful displays in the front window of their Rossland Avenue store. Photo: Trail Historical Society

Looking back at wintertime in the Trail Gulch 95 years ago, is this striking photo of the Lauriente’s Clothing window display, circa 1926.

“Passed on by Camille Lauriente to his son, Hank, Lauriente’s Clothing was operational for decades in the Gulch, originally selling men’s and ladies wear before focusing solely on men’s wear in 1928,” notes Sarah Benson-Lord, director for the Trail Museum and Archives.

“Stocking top quality suits, hats, and shoes, the staff at Lauriente’s prided themselves on superior customer service, including modern window display techniques, like this one.”

The Lauriente family is a fixture in the history of Trail, especially the Gulch, with many a tale related to business rivalries and community building.

Hank Lauriente sold the business to longtime employee, Mario “Spuds” Pagnan in 1963.

Said to be the first brick building constructed in the city, this Rossland Avenue locale now houses the Salvation Army’s food bank and diner-by-donation called Kate’s Kitchen.

The building still boasts Lauriente’s elegant marble tiles on the front step and entry way.

Read more: Dosey Doe-ing in a New Year

Read more: Affordable housing first built in Sunningdale



newsroom@trailtimes.ca

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Sheri Regnier

About the Author: Sheri Regnier

Read more