The Barstool Fund - Siebert's Clothing
Fund update.. just hit 9 million. Thank you to everyone. Let's keep going so we can save as many small businesses as we can.
Up next: Siebert's Clothing (Jasper, IN)
Siebert's Clothing Store is one of the oldest family owned and operated retail establishments currently doing business in the city of Jasper. Shopping for quality clothing and shoes has been a family tradition since 1922.
Reader Email
Hey Dave!
First I want to say that for someone to take it upon themselves, selflessly, to help small businesses is simply amazing. I applaud you.
I’ll just get right into it. I’m the fourth generation in a family business that was started by my great grandfather, Wilbur Siebert, in 1922. We sell everything from men’s and women’s sportswear, shoes and accessories, to suits, with a full bridal department.
I’d like to note that the second generation, (my grandfather) Bob Siebert, just passed on December 10. Here’s a link to his obituary: https://www.duboiscountyfreepress.com/robert-l-bob-siebert-93-jasper/ As you can see, the man was not only a navy veteran, but a business man, and a pillar of the community.
I’ll just get right into it. I’m the fourth generation in a family business that was started by my great grandfather, Wilbur Siebert, in 1922. We sell everything from men’s and women’s sportswear, shoes and accessories, to suits, with a full bridal department.
I’d like to note that the second generation, (my grandfather) Bob Siebert, just passed on December 10. Here’s a link to his obituary: https://www.duboiscountyfreepress.com/robert-l-bob-siebert-93-jasper/ As you can see, the man was not only a navy veteran, but a business man, and a pillar of the community.
My father, Jim Siebert, is the current owner of Siebert’s. His stance in the community and as a business man is equal to that of my grandfathers. Impressive to say the least. My mother is the Vice President. We currently have three locations. Our flagship store is located in Jasper, Indiana. We also have the privilege of having a store within the French Lick Resort (French lick, Indiana-yes, Larry Bird’s hometown) and the West Baden Springs Resort (West Baden, Indiana).
We currently employ 7 part time employees and 5 full time employees. Before Covid hit, we employed 13 part time workers. One employee passed away due to Covid complications. The others were either too scared to come back to work, or we didn’t need them due to lack of business. We applied for a ppe loan, and thankfully were able to get one. However, we still don’t have word on if we have to pay it back. (PPE loans are not automatically forgiven, and many times have to be paid back). My parents continued to pay ALL of our employees through this. We were shut down for 6 weeks, from March to May. Spring is prom season in Indiana. We typically do around 300-400 tux rentals from April-May. All proms were cancelled this year. To make matters worse, when the local media reports on cases…DAILY…we see a total standstill in customers. Here we are a week from Christmas and our numbers aren’t even half of what they normally are this time of the year. My parents aren’t collecting a paycheck, and haven’t for months. My mom deposited a ton of her own money into the business account to pay vendors and salaries. The resorts in which we have stores in are only operating at 50% occupancy. Normally we are open 7 days a week…now we are down to 2 days a week, 3 if we’re lucky.
I have tried everything I know to try and stabilize business. I opened an online store, paid hundreds in Facebook ads, and offered FREE delivery in our county. While we are seeing some business, it’s certainly not the same. As soon as people see the high numbers, they stay in. Although they have no problem heading to Walmart. As a brick and mortar store we have so much to compete with already: big box store prices, online shopping, etc.
We have thrived in business because people know who we are. Our customers aren’t just a number, but they’re our friends. We offer free alterations on all purchases. Yes, even suits! We give back to the community. And we offer impeccable service.
My dream is to carry on our tradition after our store hits the 100 year mark, to make my grandfathers and my father proud. I’m a 33 year old single woman who works her ass off to make sure we don’t go down without a fight. I’d love to be the first woman in my family to carry on the tradition. But I fear we may not be here in a few months. This is my legacy. This is all I know. I am incredibly proud of 98 years in business.
I saw your video and had to take the opportunity to shoot my shot. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this. I know so many businesses are hurting right now. And to even be given the opportunity to write in for this is very special.
Our store name is Siebert’s (in jasper, Indiana). We are on Facebook under Siebert’s Clothing. Our website (it needs tremendous work, don’t laugh) is www.siebertsclothing.com Here’s a link to the resorts. Also, they can both be found at that link as they are owned by the same company and are only 1/4 away from each other.
Rachel Siebert