The reason for the Columbia name had nothing to do with the Columbia brand of clothing. But when the brand came out, the store was the first to carry its sportswear north of Minneapolis.
Columbia Clothing has been able to meet not only the professional appearance standards many of us have, but also more relaxed, leisure clothing. Perfect selection for a tradesmen or even any young man looking for his first suit. Rental service outfitting for wedding parties and teenage boys for prom.
William Billstein founded the business in 1905 in the building constructed in 1891 located on Superior St and 3rd Ave W.
The Billstein family operated it until 1936, when Davis Bradley purchased the business.
Ed Barbo’s Columbia Clothing can special order fine dress and casual clothing for men from top name brands.
Just email your special request or call 218-722-3339 and we’ll get your order taken care of right away. edwardbarbo@gmail.com
Back in early 1970s, when Barbo Jr. joined his father’s business, there were a dozen locally or family-owned men’s haberdasheries in downtown Duluth – stores such as Livingston’s Big Duluth, McGregor and Soderstrom, Allenfall’s, M Cooke & Sons and Gately’s. Today, Ed Barbo’s is one of the last two haberdasheries in Downtown Duluth and has survived by sticking to the business’ forte of fine men’s clothing, sportswear and the best personal service in the industry.
