After 49 years, this family-run Philipsburg clothing store is still going strong

In the 49 years Rothrock’s Clothing has been open in Philipsburg, it has doubled as a rolling rink, a wrestling mat, a karate studio and a second home for the Rothrock family.

First opened on April 1, 1974 by Ron and Judy Rothrock, the family-run business has seen generations of Philipsburg residents come through the door, often greeted by their two “security” dogs.

The family bought the store at 126 N. Front St. unexpectedly in 1974 after another clothing store in town closed, leaving a vacuum the Rothrocks felt they could fill. They sold their house, moved into the apartment above the shop, and started the store. Ron Rothrock worked another full-time job as a driver for George Howe Co., a candy factory and distributor in Grove City, in the early years until he left to work full-time at the store.

The Rothrock children, Rhonda, Rob, Don and Shannon, spent their formative years in the store, rollerskating through the racks, practicing karate and working on the weekends. In recent years, Don retired from his position at Rockview State Prison and now works full time at the store alongside his father Ron, 84, who works in the store every day.

The Rothrock children all stayed close, helping work holidays and weekends, raising grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the store. During Christmastime, daughter Shannon Tennis’s 6-year-old son took up the mantle, proclaiming every item as “his very bestseller,” a calling card of his grandfather.

The store sells everything from local school spirit merchandise to work uniforms to daily wear clothing. Its most popular section is its wide variety of Carhartt brand clothing, which is marked down from most big-box stores. Printed-out listings of other stores’ prices adorn the racks, with Rothrock’s prices often several dollars cheaper.

The family credits their ability to stay in business for so long to their loyal customers, many of who’ve patronized the store for decades. Rob said the family is more focused on fostering loyal customers than turning quick profits.

“I’ve run into people I know that came in here and they say, ‘remember when I used to come into your mom and dad’s store with my mom and my grandmother?’ and now they come in the store with their kids or their family kids,” daughter Rhonda Natalie said.

The kids also attribute the store’s longevity to their parents’ deep respect and generosity for the community, remembering bags of free or discounted clothing that were given to families in need. Natalie remembered a customer coming into the store telling a story of the time her father had noticed his wore out shoes and fit him for a brand new pair, free of charge.

Although business took a hit during the pandemic, Rothrock clothing survived, thanks to it’s presence on its Facebook page, started by son Rob. The Rothrocks’ posted their phone number on the front door, letting customers call in if they wanted to shop.

Even the newest family members are learning how the store runs, giving the family hope and confidence that whatever may come, Rothrock’s Clothing will continue.

“It’s hard to do,” Ron Rothrock said. “A lot of people just give up the ghost and move on but we’re still fighting in scraping and scratching away.”

This story was originally published February 26, 2023 at 7:00 AM.