Happy 100th Anniversary Bates and Thigpen
In conclusion of Small Business Week, the DDD would like to congratulate Bates and Thigpen, for celebrating 100 years of business! Read to learn more about this historic family business.
The Bates Family
How it started: Bates and Thigpen originated in 1924 in the hands of Jewell Bates and W. Thigpen. The two worked in a department store together then left the business to start their own uniform shop. Downtown Baton Rouge was a major attraction and was the perfect place to start the business. Bates and Thigpen first opened on Main Street until 1965 when they moved to 350 3rd Street. Soon after the move, the business relocated to 335 3rd Street where it still stands today. As tough economic times arose downtown, Bates and Thigpen remained an outlet for customers to feel optimistic through a well-made suit or hat. Eventually, Bates bought Thigpen out of his shares and became sole owner of the store. Soon after this transition, Bates hired his family members to help run the business that ultimately transformed into a Bates' family legacy.
Bradley Bates Jr., Current owner of Bates and Thigpen
Family Business: Bates' two sons helped him run the store and each became owners at one point. Today, the shop is run by Bates' grandson, Bradley Bates Jr., who took over the business after his uncle. His favorite memories are the people he has met and the times he got to work closely with his father at the store. Today, Bates Jr.'s son, Brad Bates III, works beside him as he prepares the next generation of the family to run the business.
Sewing Machine from 1924
Business Operations: As most businesses update operations to rely on digital media and updated machinery, that is not the case for Bates and Thigpen. The shop still makes suits using modified sewing machines from 1924 and uses traditional, paper bookkeeping instead of digital. While this can be surprising to hear, these practices have worked perfectly for the business and is what makes the store a unique treasure in Downtown Baton Rouge.
Then and Now
Today: Like most aspects of Baton Rouge, there are many memories and traditions Bates Jr. remembers about Bates and Thigpen from earlier times. A fascinating past tradition is when they would lend Homburg hats and white canes to the senior LSU Law students to wear to the first football game. There are so many great stories about Bates and Thigpen and the impact it has brought to the downtown community throughout each decade. The Bates Family appreciates how the store has remained an essential part of the downtown community and still stands strong today!
