Tuscaloosa’s Locker Room Clothing Store Celebrating 60 Years in Business

One of the city's oldest and best-loved clothing stores will celebrate 60 years in business next weekend with a party at their home in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Most readers probably first encountered the Locker Room at their longtime location on the Strip on University Boulevard near campus, where founder Alex Gatewood opened a store in 1964 in a historic redwood home reportedly built in the 1800s..

51 years later, though, in 2015, the Locker Room was forced to leave the area and the building was demolished to make way for the large CVS store that dominates the corner today.

The involuntary relocation was just a setback, though, and with three times the floor space, the Locker Room continues to thrive down University Boulevard a ways, next to Gentleman's Grooming and Taco Mama.

“I began my business with a $5000 loan with no idea we would be in business 60 years later. My desire to see it grow was fueled by my love of the menswear business and willingness to work hard," Gatewood said. "The success of the Locker Room can be attributed to all our wonderful employees, past and present, as well as to our many loyal customers over the years. It has been a great ride.”

They will celebrate 60 years in business, next Saturday, October 26th at the store, which is at 2104 University Boulevard. That Saturday is also Alabama football's Homecoming game.

A Locker Room spokesperson said customers and all former employees are invited to stop in and celebrate this milestone as well as the legacy of Alex Gatewood with the Gatewood family, Rush Crawford and the entire Locker Room staff.