Why This Men’s Clothing Store in Mission BC Has Lasted Over a Century
Walk down First Avenue in Mission, British Columbia, and you’ll see a landscape that has changed dramatically over the decades. Businesses come and go, trends flash and fade, and the way people shop has been completely rewritten by the internet. Yet, standing proudly as a cornerstone of our downtown core is Rex Cox Menswear.
To last a few years in retail is an achievement. To last a decade is a triumph. But to cross the century mark—serving generations of families, outlasting economic recessions, and remaining just as relevant today as in 1925—is something entirely different.
It makes you stop and wonder: How does an independent men’s clothing store in a growing Fraser Valley city outlast global retail giants? How do you keep the doors open and the community coming back for over 100 years?
The answer isn't found in a hidden corporate strategy or a secret marketing formula. It’s found in the walls of our shop, the quality of the garments on our racks, and the deeply rooted belief that a clothing store should be more than just a place to buy a shirt—it should be a partner where you are known.
Here is the story of how Rex Cox Menswear built a century of staying power in Mission, BC, and why an independent local shop still offers something the modern world desperately needs.
The Foundation: A Century of History on First Avenue
To truly understand why Rex Cox Menswear is still thriving, we have to take a quick step back in time. Imagine Mission in the mid-1920s. First Avenue looked vastly different. It was a bustling hub for loggers, farmers, CPR rail workers, and families building a life in the valley.
When the founder, Reginald Cox, first opened the doors in June 1925, he wasn't just competing with local shops; he was setting a standard for what a community business should be. He built the foundation on a simple, unshakable premise: give people quality goods that last, treat every person like a neighbor, and stand behind everything you sell.
Over the decades, that torch was carried by dedicated hands. In 1959, Rex’s nephew, Percy Buckle, took over the reins. Percy’s son, Ted Buckle, started working at the shop as a teenager in 1962, and his neighbor, Carlo Billinger, joined him in 1969. Together, Ted and Carlo eventually purchased the business in 1979, guiding the store through over half a century of fashion evolutions, economic shifts, and community milestones.
In January 2022, after a legendary 97-year run by the Cox and Buckle families, the storefront entered its newest chapter under co-partners Les Rimar and Irene Barlas Rimar. When you take over a business with that much history, you aren’t just running a retail shop—our team acts as custodians of local heritage. The reason Rex Cox survived the transition from a historic 1920s outfitter to a modern premium menswear destination is that while the styles changed, the core values never did.
Moving Past the "Disposable Fashion" Trap
We live in an era of fast fashion. It’s never been easier to buy a cheaply made shirt online, but as many of us have learned the hard way, those clothes are often designed with an expiration date. They shrink after two washes, the stitching unravels, and they end up in a landfill by next season.
Rex Cox Menswear has lasted for over a hundred years because we have deliberately rejected the disposable clothing culture. From the very beginning, our focus has been on curated, high-quality garments built to endure.
When you browse our collection today—whether in our physical shop or on our digital storefront—you will see brands that respect craftsmanship. Think of names like Renoir for beautifully structured tailored clothing, Only & Sons for for modern, trend-driven style or SAXX for everyday comfort that actually lasts. These aren’t just labels; they are partners in quality.
Investing in premium apparel isn't about luxury for the sake of luxury. It's about value over time. A beautifully crafted sport coat or a rugged, well-constructed pair of casual trousers might cost more upfront than a fast-fashion alternative, but it will fit better, look sharper, and hold its shape for years. In a world where everything feels temporary, people appreciate finding garments they can rely on year after year.
Merging the Convenience of E-Commerce with Independent Service
Because the modern world moves fast, a major part of our longevity has been our ability to evolve with our customers' shopping habits. Today, Rex Cox Menswear bridges the gap between traditional independent service and modern convenience by offering a full online shopping experience alongside our historic brick-and-mortar store.
We know that people appreciate flexibility. Sometimes you want to stop by First Avenue, browse the racks, and chat with our team in person. Other times, you need to order a reliable pair of pants, a fresh button-down, or a new wallet from the comfort of your couch late at night.
By bringing our curated selection online, we ensure that our customers get the best of both worlds. We treat our digital storefront with the exact same care and attention to detail as our physical shop. Every item online is hand-selected for its quality, durability, and style, meaning you never have to gamble on fast-fashion mystery boxes. Whether you are shopping with us from downtown Mission or from across the country, you are getting the premium standard that has defined Rex Cox for over a century.
More Than a Transaction: Relationships Across Generations
If you ask what the true secret to our store's hundred-year run is, the answer won't be about inventory management or profit margins. It's about people.
In the modern retail world, most interactions are completely transactional and anonymous. At Rex Cox, stepping inside or connecting with our team feels more like visiting an old friend. Our team takes the time to get to know our customers, their personal style preferences, and what they need their clothing for.
It’s incredibly common to see three generations of the same family shopping with us. A grandfather who bought his wedding suit at Rex Cox decades ago brings his son in for a business wardrobe update, who in turn brings his own son in to get fitted for his high school graduation.
There is a deep trust that comes with that kind of history. Our customers know they won’t be pushed into buying something just to hit a sales quota. If a jacket or a fit doesn’t look right, our team will tell you honestly and help you find something that does. This integrity has turned first-time shoppers into lifelong partners and friends.
Cultivating a Versatile Modern Wardrobe
There is a common misconception that a historic clothing store only caters to formal occasions or older styling. But you don't survive for a century by getting stuck in the past. Rex Cox has continually evolved its inventory to reflect how modern men actually dress.
The way men dress has shifted dramatically, especially over the last few years. The days of wearing a rigid full suit to the office every single day have largely given way to a more fluid, smart-casual aesthetic. Men want to look sharp and professional, but they also demand comfort and versatility. They need a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from a morning business meeting to a casual dinner or a weekend outing.
Our collection perfectly balances these worlds:
Casual & Performance Wear
Everyday style demands comfort. We feature an exceptional selection of premium denim, high-quality knitwear, and performance casual shirts that offer stretch and breathability without sacrificing style.
Footwear & Accessories
A great outfit can be undone by the wrong shoes or cheap accessories. Over the years, we have expanded to become a true one-stop shop, offering curated footwear that bridges the gap between dressy and casual, along with essential details like high-quality leather belts and innovative accessories like Secrid wallets.
Formalwear, Weddings & Graduations
While casual wear has grown, formalwear remains a definitive strength of our business. From off-the-rack suits to fully customized made-to-measure programs, we provide an unmatched formal experience. Our rental department also ensures that groomsmen and event attendees look flawless without needing to purchase a full wardrobe for a single day.
By curating an inventory that meets a man at every stage of his week—from the boardroom to the backyard barbecue—we ensure that Rex Cox remains an indispensable part of a modern lifestyle.
Keeping the "Shop Local" Spirit Alive in Mission
When you buy from a locally owned independent business, your money doesn’t disappear into a corporate bank account in another country. It stays right here in our community. It helps keep our historic downtown vibrant and economically healthy.
Rex Cox Menswear is deeply woven into the fabric of Mission. For over a century, this business has poured back into the community that has supported it. Whether it’s participating in downtown events, supporting local fundraisers, or simply providing friendly, meaningful jobs, the store acts as an economic and social anchor for First Avenue.
A vibrant downtown needs independent shops to maintain its character. Strip malls and massive big-box developments all look identical, no matter what city you are in. But a downtown core with a century-old independent menswear store has personality, history, and charm. By choosing to shop at Rex Cox, local residents aren't just buying beautiful clothing—they are actively investing in the preservation of Mission’s unique community identity.
The Experience: What to Expect When You Shop With Us
If you’ve never shopped with Rex Cox Menswear, or if you haven’t visited our new space across the street, you will find that interacting with our brand is a refreshing departure from the chaotic environment of modern commercial shopping malls or massive, faceless online marketplaces.
Whether you walk through our physical doors or explore our collections online, you are treated to a curated, organized experience. In our storefront, there are no loud, distracting soundtracks or overwhelming crowds. Instead, you are greeted by a warm, welcoming environment and a team of professionals who genuinely love what they do.
Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or you don't even know your jacket size, you are in safe hands. You can grab a coffee, browse the latest seasonal arrivals, feel the quality of the fabrics for yourself, and get honest, expert feedback. If you are shopping online, you get that same curated peace of mind, knowing that every piece has passed our rigorous standards for quality and style before being shipped to your home.
It’s an unhurried, comfortable experience designed to make clothes shopping enjoyable rather than a chore. Many men who historically dreaded shopping find that once they experience our personalized approach, their entire perspective changes.
Looking Forward to the Next Century
A hundred years in business is a beautiful milestone, but for Les, Irene, and the entire team, it’s also a springboard for the future. Rex Cox Menswear isn't a museum artifact; it is a living, breathing, evolving part of Mission’s modern business community.
The tools of the trade might look a bit different today than they did in 1925. We have a digital home online, we share our latest arrivals on social media, and our inventory tracking uses modern technology. But the core reason our store exists remains completely unchanged.
As long as men appreciate the value of a perfectly tailored suit, the comfort of a genuinely high-quality shirt, and the peace of mind that comes from dealing with a partner who cares about quality and community, there will always be a place for Rex Cox Menswear.
Thank you to everyone in Mission, the Fraser Valley, and beyond who has stepped through our doors, visited our website, trusted us with your milestone moments, and made this incredible journey possible. Here's to the next hundred years of style, quality, and community.
Ready to upgrade your wardrobe or looking for the perfect fit for an upcoming event? Come visit our passionate team at Rex Cox Menswear at our home on First Avenue in downtown Mission, or explore our curated collections online from anywhere. Let us help you find garments that look incredible and stand the test of time.
Why This Men’s Clothing Store in Mission BC Has Lasted Over a Century
Walk down First Avenue in Mission, British Columbia, and you’ll see a landscape that has changed dramatically over the decades. Businesses come and go, trends flash and fade, and the way people shop has been completely rewritten by the internet. Yet, standing proudly as a cornerstone of our downtown core is Rex Cox Menswear.
To last a few years in retail is an achievement. To last a decade is a triumph. But to cross the century mark—serving generations of families, outlasting economic recessions, and remaining just as relevant today as in 1925—is something entirely different.
It makes you stop and wonder: How does an independent men’s clothing store in a growing Fraser Valley city outlast global retail giants? How do you keep the doors open and the community coming back for over 100 years?
The answer isn't found in a hidden corporate strategy or a secret marketing formula. It’s found in the walls of our shop, the quality of the garments on our racks, and the deeply rooted belief that a clothing store should be more than just a place to buy a shirt—it should be a partner where you are known.
Here is the story of how Rex Cox Menswear built a century of staying power in Mission, BC, and why an independent local shop still offers something the modern world desperately needs.
The Foundation: A Century of History on First Avenue
To truly understand why Rex Cox Menswear is still thriving, we have to take a quick step back in time. Imagine Mission in the mid-1920s. First Avenue looked vastly different. It was a bustling hub for loggers, farmers, CPR rail workers, and families building a life in the valley.
When the founder, Reginald Cox, first opened the doors in June 1925, he wasn't just competing with local shops; he was setting a standard for what a community business should be. He built the foundation on a simple, unshakable premise: give people quality goods that last, treat every person like a neighbor, and stand behind everything you sell.
Over the decades, that torch was carried by dedicated hands. In 1959, Rex’s nephew, Percy Buckle, took over the reins. Percy’s son, Ted Buckle, started working at the shop as a teenager in 1962, and his neighbor, Carlo Billinger, joined him in 1969. Together, Ted and Carlo eventually purchased the business in 1979, guiding the store through over half a century of fashion evolutions, economic shifts, and community milestones.
In January 2022, after a legendary 97-year run by the Cox and Buckle families, the storefront entered its newest chapter under co-partners Les Rimar and Irene Barlas Rimar. When you take over a business with that much history, you aren’t just running a retail shop—our team acts as custodians of local heritage. The reason Rex Cox survived the transition from a historic 1920s outfitter to a modern premium menswear destination is that while the styles changed, the core values never did.
Moving Past the "Disposable Fashion" Trap
We live in an era of fast fashion. It’s never been easier to buy a cheaply made shirt online, but as many of us have learned the hard way, those clothes are often designed with an expiration date. They shrink after two washes, the stitching unravels, and they end up in a landfill by next season.
Rex Cox Menswear has lasted for over a hundred years because we have deliberately rejected the disposable clothing culture. From the very beginning, our focus has been on curated, high-quality garments built to endure.
When you browse our collection today—whether in our physical shop or on our digital storefront—you will see brands that respect craftsmanship. Think of names like Renoir for beautifully structured tailored suits, Only & Sons for for modern, trend-driven style or SAXX for everyday comfort that actually lasts. These aren’t just labels; they are partners in quality.
Investing in premium apparel isn't about luxury for the sake of luxury. It's about value over time. A beautifully crafted sport coat or a rugged, well-constructed pair of casual trousers might cost more upfront than a fast-fashion alternative, but it will fit better, look sharper, and hold its shape for years. In a world where everything feels temporary, people appreciate finding garments they can rely on year after year.
Merging the Convenience of E-Commerce with Independent Service
Because the modern world moves fast, a major part of our longevity has been our ability to evolve with our customers' shopping habits. Today, Rex Cox Menswear bridges the gap between traditional independent service and modern convenience by offering a full online shopping experience alongside our historic brick-and-mortar store.
We know that people appreciate flexibility. Sometimes you want to stop by First Avenue, browse the racks, and chat with our team in person. Other times, you need to order a reliable pair of pants, a fresh button-down, or a new wallet from the comfort of your couch late at night.
By bringing our curated selection online, we ensure that our customers get the best of both worlds. We treat our digital storefront with the exact same care and attention to detail as our physical shop. Every item online is hand-selected for its quality, durability, and style, meaning you never have to gamble on fast-fashion mystery boxes. Whether you are shopping with us from downtown Mission or from across the country, you are getting the premium standard that has defined Rex Cox for over a century.
More Than a Transaction: Relationships Across Generations
If you ask what the true secret to our store's hundred-year run is, the answer won't be about inventory management or profit margins. It's about people.
In the modern retail world, most interactions are completely transactional and anonymous. At Rex Cox, stepping inside or connecting with our team feels more like visiting an old friend. Our team takes the time to get to know our customers, their personal style preferences, and what they need their clothing for.
It’s incredibly common to see three generations of the same family shopping with us. A grandfather who bought his wedding suit at Rex Cox decades ago brings his son in for a business wardrobe update, who in turn brings his own son in to get fitted for his high school graduation.
There is a deep trust that comes with that kind of history. Our customers know they won’t be pushed into buying something just to hit a sales quota. If a jacket or a fit doesn’t look right, our team will tell you honestly and help you find something that does. This integrity has turned first-time shoppers into lifelong partners and friends.
Cultivating a Versatile Modern Wardrobe
There is a common misconception that a historic clothing store only caters to formal occasions or older styling. But you don't survive for a century by getting stuck in the past. Rex Cox has continually evolved its inventory to reflect how modern men actually dress.
The way men dress has shifted dramatically, especially over the last few years. The days of wearing a rigid full suit to the office every single day have largely given way to a more fluid, smart-casual aesthetic. Men want to look sharp and professional, but they also demand comfort and versatility. They need a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from a morning business meeting to a casual dinner or a weekend outing.
Our collection perfectly balances these worlds:
Casual & Performance Wear
Everyday style demands comfort. We feature an exceptional selection of premium denim, high-quality knitwear, and performance casual shirts that offer stretch and breathability without sacrificing style.
Footwear & Accessories
A great outfit can be undone by the wrong shoes or cheap accessories. Over the years, we have expanded to become a true one-stop shop, offering curated footwear that bridges the gap between dressy and casual, along with essential details like high-quality leather belts and innovative accessories like Secrid wallets.
Formalwear, Weddings & Graduations
While casual wear has grown, formalwear remains a definitive strength of our business. From off-the-rack suits to fully customized made-to-measure programs, we provide an unmatched formal experience. Our rental department also ensures that groomsmen and event attendees look flawless without needing to purchase a full wardrobe for a single day.
By curating an inventory that meets a man at every stage of his week—from the boardroom to the backyard barbecue—we ensure that Rex Cox remains an indispensable part of a modern lifestyle.
Keeping the "Shop Local" Spirit Alive in Mission
When you buy from a locally owned independent business, your money doesn’t disappear into a corporate bank account in another country. It stays right here in our community. It helps keep our historic downtown vibrant and economically healthy.
Rex Cox Menswear is deeply woven into the fabric of Mission. For over a century, this business has poured back into the community that has supported it. Whether it’s participating in downtown events, supporting local fundraisers, or simply providing friendly, meaningful jobs, the store acts as an economic and social anchor for First Avenue.
A vibrant downtown needs independent shops to maintain its character. Strip malls and massive big-box developments all look identical, no matter what city you are in. But a downtown core with a century-old independent menswear store has personality, history, and charm. By choosing to shop at Rex Cox, local residents aren't just buying beautiful clothing—they are actively investing in the preservation of Mission’s unique community identity.
The Experience: What to Expect When You Shop With Us
If you’ve never shopped with Rex Cox Menswear, or if you haven’t visited our new space across the street, you will find that interacting with our brand is a refreshing departure from the chaotic environment of modern commercial shopping malls or massive, faceless online marketplaces.
Whether you walk through our physical doors or explore our collections online, you are treated to a curated, organized experience. In our storefront, there are no loud, distracting soundtracks or overwhelming crowds. Instead, you are greeted by a warm, welcoming environment and a team of professionals who genuinely love what they do.
Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or you don't even know your jacket size, you are in safe hands. You can grab a coffee, browse the latest seasonal arrivals, feel the quality of the fabrics for yourself, and get honest, expert feedback. If you are shopping online, you get that same curated peace of mind, knowing that every piece has passed our rigorous standards for quality and style before being shipped to your home.
It’s an unhurried, comfortable experience designed to make clothes shopping enjoyable rather than a chore. Many men who historically dreaded shopping find that once they experience our personalized approach, their entire perspective changes.
Looking Forward to the Next Century
A hundred years in business is a beautiful milestone, but for Les, Irene, and the entire team, it’s also a springboard for the future. Rex Cox Menswear isn't a museum artifact; it is a living, breathing, evolving part of Mission’s modern business community.
The tools of the trade might look a bit different today than they did in 1925. We have a digital home online, we share our latest arrivals on social media, and our inventory tracking uses modern technology. But the core reason our store exists remains completely unchanged.
As long as men appreciate the value of a perfectly tailored suit, the comfort of a genuinely high-quality shirt, and the peace of mind that comes from dealing with a partner who cares about quality and community, there will always be a place for Rex Cox Menswear.
Thank you to everyone in Mission, the Fraser Valley, and beyond who has stepped through our doors, visited our website, trusted us with your milestone moments, and made this incredible journey possible. Here's to the next hundred years of style, quality, and community.
Ready to upgrade your wardrobe or looking for the perfect fit for an upcoming event? Come visit our passionate team at Rex Cox Menswear at our home on First Avenue in downtown Mission, or explore our curated collections online from anywhere. Let us help you find garments that look incredible and stand the test of time.
