George Richards “big or tall we fit them all”

On a walk through Pardes Shalom Cemetery in Maple, Ontario, I visited the grave of George Richards—a former professional wrestler who went on to become one of Canada’s most successful specialty clothiers.

Before founding what would become George Richards Kingsize Clothes, Richards wrestled professionally during the 1930s and 1940s under the ring name Benny Stein, traveling for matches throughout New York, Ohio, and New Jersey. His wrestling career was cut short when he enlisted in World War II, serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he helped train troops aboard transport ships.

After the war, Richards opened his first clothing store. He quickly noticed that many of his customers were former athletic colleagues—football players and wrestlers—who struggled to find well-made, fashionable suits in their sizes. Spotting an unmet need, Richards began specializing in clothing for tall men over 6’1″ (sizes 38–60) and stout men weighing 200–450 pounds (sizes 42–66). The concept was an instant success.

Among his clients were famous wrestlers such as “Whipper” Billy Watson and Lord Athol Layton, who stood 6’6″, weighed 265 pounds, and wore a size 52 Tall. Richards also dressed notable non-athletes, including Sam Shopsowitz, founder of Shopsy’s Delicatessen, the legendary “hot dog king.” Shopsowitz, who stood 5’10” and weighed 270 pounds, once remarked of Richards’ suits: “The fact that I’m fat doesn’t mean that I don’t like to follow fashion trends.”

By 1980, under George Richards’ ownership, the George Richards Kingsize Clothes chain had grown to 16 locations across Canada, firmly establishing itself as the country’s premier destination for big and tall menswear.

George Richards remained active well into old age, leading exercise classes for seniors into his mid-80s. He died on November 6, 2010 at the age of 96.

1914-2010