Our History
The late Gary Waters from whom the store was named started his career at Brill and Bun managing their Pen Centre location from 1960-1971. In September of 1971 Gary purchased the store from Brill and Bun and Gary’s namesake was born. Over a period of 45 years Gary grew and expanded the store and its roster of loyal, discerning clientele from the Niagara Region and beyond before handing the reigns over to Patrick and Paul DiFelice in 2003.
Pat and Paul have continued to build upon the solid foundation that Gary built by increasing the stores offerings and reach while still maintaining its close ties and personal relationships with existing and new clients alike.

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The Fischer Family
Tony Fischer has been shopping at the Gary Waters store since Pat and Paul DiFelice took ownership of the store approximately 16 years ago. A native of the Niagara Region, his entire life shopping at Gary Waters has been a natural progression. As his tastes have evolved over time, Gary Waters to this day, ensures he is well clad from head to toe! Max Fischer's dad introduced him to Gary Waters at an early age: 8th grade to be exact, when he got his very first suit. Max is a graduate of Ridley College and is currently entering his second year of studies at Western University. Gary Waters meets the needs of Max's youthful style. He even works diligently during the summer months to pay for his own items! |
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The Cairns Family
From right to left: grandsons Mathew and James. Standing: Jeff Cairns (son and father), grandfather Honorable Roy Cairns. Roy Cairns remembers being at the opening of the predecessor store of Gary Waters in the early 60’s. The store was then called Brill and Bunn and was owned by Mr. Brill and Mr. Bunn. Roy remembers Gary Waters as a young sales clerk then. “Gary was good. He remembered people’s names and what they purchased.” At 87 years of age, Roy still shops at Gary Waters. Jeff Cairns bought his first suit at Gary Waters when he was in grade 9 in 1969. Jeff has been shopping at Gary Waters ever since.The Cairns’ youngest generation includes James and Mathew. James is a recent graduate of Ridley College and in his first year of studies at Dalhousie University. Mathew is a student at Ridley College in 11th grade. Not unlike their father and grandfather they both shop in the Gary Waters store.
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The Cooper Family
Frank Cooper (over age 20 and under 100), his son Trevor (same age bracket) and grandson Benjamin (under 20) all continue to shop at Gary Waters. Frank Cooper’s father was a tailor, which has likely attributed to his very distinguished style and look. He claims, “off the rack doesn’t work” for him. He has shopped at “the Gary Waters” since 1964. His son Trevor Cooper first shopped at Gary Waters when he was 16 years old. He likes to be well put together and finds both Pat and Paul DiFelice very accommodating. Young Benjamin Cooper, the third generation, was recently in the store and purchased a sport coat, pant and shirt as seen in this picture. When asked how he felt about the store he said, “I enjoy it all!” |
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The Commisso Family
Both father Rocky and son Michael have had a strong connection to the Niagara Region. Their family’s business, “Commisso’s Fresh Foods,” has served the grocery needs of the local community since 1962. Both Rocky and Michael continue to shop at Gary Waters. Rocky has a tendency to be traditional and classic in the way that he dresses, while his son Michael, on the other hand, likes to be more youthful in his approach to clothing. Still, both have acquired a taste for exceptional quality of product and service. Even though they are of different generations, the Gary Waters store accommodates both of their styles. |
Gary Waters Magazine Archive
Since the Fall of 2005, Gary Waters has been proud to publish Gary Waters Magazine twice a year. Each issue is packed full of insightful and interesting articles on fashion, travel, food, automobiles and more. Click on any of the covers below to download a PDF version of that issue. If you'd like to take a look at our current magazine in an interactive 'flip' format, click here.
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