So, you want to know how we got our name?

It actually was part of a logo developed even before the store opened. The logo sported a man wearing knickers and leaning on a cane - hence his name Mr. Knickerbocker. The store soon opened and the name has become synonymous with our company throughout the Clemson family.

Opened in April 1973 by James and Betty Spearman, Mr. Knickerbocker's original store consisted of 1300 square feet located in the shadows of Tillman Hall, Clemson's main administrative building. Starting as a Men's Clothier, Mr. Knickerbocker underwent a change in 1974 that paralleled the rise of Clemson football to national prominence. During this time Mr. Knickerbocker filled a much needed void in the community by selling Clemson clothing and gifts.

In 1977 the original store expanded and doubling its size to over 2500 square feet, plus using the phrase:

"A Clemson Tradition for over Twenty Five Years."

In 1981 the College Avenue store in Clemson expanded for the third time to include 3500 square feet retail space. Also in 1981, Mr. Knickerbocker expanded its business to include in store embroidery. Today, Mr. Knickerbocker no longer does in-store embroidery, but does offer hand-sewn customized Jerseys.

A second 1200 square foot College Avenue store specializing in Fraternity and Sorority apparel was added in 1987.

A Third Location was established in Greenville, SC. It is now located at the Shoppes at Greenridge off of Woodruff Road.

A fourth location on Main Street Central, SC became a warehouse outlet store. This 1800 square foot store specializes in close outs and clearance merchandise.

For over 20 years Mr. Knickerbocker's color catalog has been a popular way for Clemson Tiger fans throughout the world to have access to our store. The catalog has now expanded to the Internet and for more convenient and up to date listing and offering of our merchandise.

What makes Mr. Knickerbocker unique is its dedication to Clemson as 100% of our merchandise is licensed Clemson products. With its total focus on Clemson University, Mr. Knickerbocker has a national reputation with Tiger fans, and the success of this unique philosophy has earned us the respect of manufacturers and other retailers.

Mr. Knickerbocker helped pioneer and develop many new ideas in the early years of product licensing, and has been the model for stores opened at other universities.