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A historic downtown Centralia business will conclude regular operations on Dec. 31 after 131 years of operation.
On Monday, Oct. 26, Churchill Glove Company, which was founded in 1895, announced in a social media post that operations will end as the family ownership heads into retirement.
Dec. 23 will mark the final day of last-call ordering at the business, which expects to remain open in a limited capacity for another two or three months after that.
“During this time, a smaller, dedicated team will help us fulfill remaining commitments, sell through existing inventory, and evaluate potential buyers who may be interested in carrying the Churchill Glove legacy forward,” the business wrote. “Although our family is ready for retirement, we would love nothing more than to see the brand and craftsmanship we’ve spent generations building continue into the future.”
The statement made clear that “this is a retirement, not a going-out-of-business story.”
“We are incredibly proud of the success and legacy of Churchill Glove and deeply grateful to every customer who has supported our family and our products throughout the years,” the business wrote. “Your unwavering loyalty has made 131 years possible, and we cannot thank you enough.”
Churchill Glove Company asked customers and supporters to follow the business on Instagram for updates on flash sales, special offers, remaining inventory availability and other announcements.
“From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the Churchill Glove story since 1895,” the business wrote. “Here’s to an incredible history, a well-earned retirement, and the hope that the Churchill Glove legacy lives on!”
The Chronicle last visited Churchill Glove Company in October 2019 during one of the first stops on a sweeping tour of manufacturing businesses across the state by the Association of Washington Business.
James Churchill, a wagon peddler selling tin ware and crockery, first set up the shop in Centralia in 1895.
The business has changed immensely since that time, from a transformation in clientele to constant efforts to counter international importers.
Andy and Andrea Churchill, the fourth-generation owners of the business, explained during the 2019 tour how their entire model changed as the timber industry suffered from the spotted owl era.
They said at the time that they were exporting large amounts of motorcycle gloves to other countries, with Asia and specifically Japan representing the largest international destination.
In the peak years, the business employed as many as 80 people. As of 2019, that number hovered around 12, including the Churchills, but they continued to create a high volume of products. Andrea Churchill estimated the business sold 22,500 pairs of gloves in 2018.
There’s no automation at the facility. Every piece of work requires the hands of loyal staff members.
“One by one, finger by finger, they get made right here,” Andrea Churchill said at the time while standing alongside employees, some of whom had worked for the business for up to four decades.
In 2019, the owners lamented the steep price of federal oversight when it comes to inspections. While the USDA might not inspect every shipment of the product, they nonetheless levy onerous fees.
In its later years, the company has become an internationally respected maker of motorcycle gloves, work gloves and gloves used in the rodeo circuit.
They’ve also had some famous customers over the years.
Gloves worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Terminator” movie were made in Centralia, as were a special pair of size 16 gloves for NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal. The gloves worn by the Marlboro Man in print advertisements were made at the Churchill Glove Factory, as were pairs made for FOX football analyst and former NFL star Terry Bradshaw as well as NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.
“There’s been some interesting clients,” Andy Churchill said in 2019.
Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Churchill Glove Factory in Centralia packed up 31 boxes of heavy-duty gloves to be sent to rescue workers at Ground Zero in New York, according to Chronicle archives. The 2,000 cowhide and deerskin gloves were sent off with flag decals on each cardboard box.
The business is located at 544 North Pearl St., Centralia.
Reporting from The Chronicle’s archives was included in this report. The Chronicle hopes to speak with the owners of Churchill Glove Factory for an article before their retirement.
