Proudly Canadian
Grafton Apparel designs, sources and sells menswear across three banners — Tip Top, George Richards Big and Tall and Mr. Big & Tall — from 130+ stores and three ecommerce sites coast to coast.
1853
Grafton founded in Dundas, Ontario
130+
Retail stores from coast to coast
3
Banners, one standard of fit
3
Ecommerce sites serving Canada
Our story
Grafton began in 1853 as a dry goods shop in Dundas, Ontario. What survived — through mergers, recessions and a century of changing taste — is a simple discipline: know the customer, cut for his body, and price it so he comes back.
1853
James Beatty Grafton leaves school at sixteen to apprentice in dry goods, then opens a clothing shop in Dundas, Ontario.
1909
Tip Top Tailors is founded in Toronto and begins its run as Canada's tailor for work, weddings and every occasion between.
1967
Grafton & Co. acquires Jack Fraser Stores, becoming Grafton-Fraser Limited and expanding across every province.
1977
George Richards Kingsize Clothes — Canada's largest chain of specialty apparel for big and tall men — joins the group.
1999
The addition of Mr. Big & Tall strengthens our commitment to big and tall menswear.
2023
Stern Partners acquires Grafton Apparel, backing the next chapter of retail and ecommerce growth in Canada.
Our banners
Each banner serves a distinct customer with its own voice, assortment and store experience. What they share is Grafton's sourcing, merchandising and operational discipline.
Perfect moments, perfectly dressed.
The one-stop shop for suits, shirts, shoes and accessories for work, weddings, prom and every occasion in between. Expert in-house tailoring at 90+ locations across Canada, including Québec, with online shopping in English and French.
Made better, not just bigger.
Canada's largest chain dedicated to big and tall menswear, with 30+ locations. Extended sizing across suiting, dress shirts, casualwear and outerwear — cut by people who understand proportion, not scaled up by guesswork.
Confidence without limitations.
Comfort without compromise. Casual wear and dresswear designed for big and tall proportions, from weekend wear to workwear, at 15+ locations and online.
Leadership
Grafton's executive team leads merchandising, marketing and ecommerce, store operations and people — reporting into the President & CEO.
President and Chief Executive Officer
“Our strength is in our people and our brands, working together to deliver quality, fit and service.”
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance
“Keeping things clear and making sound decisions helps our teams focus on what matters.”
Vice President Human Resources
“We work hard, keep it real and have fun. Our people are what bring those values to life.”
Vice President Marketing & eCommerce
“Each of our brands has its own voice. Our job is to make that voice clear and connect it with the right customer.”
Vice President Planning & Allocation
“Great planning means having the right product in the right store, when our customers need it.”
Vice President Tip Top Merchandising
“From everyday dressing to life’s big moments, we want men to feel as good as they look.”
Vice President Tip Top Store Operations
“Great service starts with a team that cares—about the customer, the fit and getting the details right.”
Vice President Big World Merchandising
“Big and tall customers deserve clothing designed for them, with style, comfort and fit considered from the start.”
Vice President Big World Store Operations
“We want every customer to feel welcome, understood and confident in what they’re wearing.”
Ownership
In November 2023, Grafton Apparel was acquired by an affiliate of Stern Partners Inc., a Canadian private investment company founded more than thirty-five years ago by Ronald N. Stern and based in Vancouver.
Stern Partners is a lead investor in a diverse range of operating companies with more than twenty standalone businesses employing over 7,000 people. It invests for the long term — with no predetermined exit — and backs management teams to compound value over time.
“Grafton's commitment to delivering quality and value to consumers, backed by a strong team, has created a growth trajectory that we want to support.”
35+
Years investing
20+
Operating businesses
7,000+
Employees globally
Where Stern Partners invests
Community
Grafton Apparel and all three of our banners are proud sponsors of Fight To End Cancer, benefiting the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Our teams and customers come together through the Wear Your Support campaign, bringing the fight to end cancer into every store.
Defeat is not an option
The Fight to End Cancer
Careers
Store associates, tailors, merchandisers, planners, distribution and head office teams — search every open role across our three banners.
Who we are
We’re a team of menswear people, and we’re proud of the work we do. Across our stores and home office, four things guide how we work together:
We work hard.
We take pride in our results and go the extra mile for our customers and for each other.
We keep it real.
We’re honest and down to earth, and we tell each other the truth, even when it’s hard.
We make it simple.
We cut out complexity so we can focus on what matters: the customer, the fit and the experience.
We have fun.
We celebrate wins, enjoy the people around us and bring good energy to every store.
Grafton Apparel is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
Contact
Media enquiries, wholesale and partnership conversations, real estate submissions or questions about a role — send a note and the right team will respond.
Head office
115 Applewood CrescentTelephone
(416) 780-9922