Marine shop undergoes renovation

QUANTICO — The sound of hammers and saws has replaced the whir of sewing machines as The Marine Shop undergoes a $1 million renovation that bids to change the look of Potomac Avenue in Quantico.

"The city of Quantico has been very supportive, as this is a major investment, in a prominent location," said Jim Wong, chief integration officer for The Marine Corps Association, which acquired The Marine Shop in January 2007. The Marine Corps Association is an independent body that serves as a professional organization foAr Marines.

On June 9, The Marine Shop temporarily moved into the Marine Corps Association Bookstore at 715 Broadway Street to make way for the renovations, which are expected to be completed in mid-September.

"We closed over there and the next day we opened over here," continued Wong.

The remodeled facility will have approximately 10 percent more floor space when it re-opens, giving it a more open feel.

"That's the way we wanted it, so you can walk in, look around and see everything that is available," explained Wong.

Planning for the renovations took place over a one-year period. When complete, the revamped Marine Shop will feature traditional Marine art on its walls, plus computers that will allow customers access to the Internet while they wait to be measured for new uniforms.

"This should be very powerful," said MCA public relations specialist Doug Duncan.

Founded by the late Maj. Harry Elms, The Marine Shop has been helping Marines look their professional best since 1962. Elms served as the executive in charge of the Marine Corps' Uniform Board, the entity that evaluated and made recommendations to the Commandant for changes in the Marine Corps uniform,
during his last active duty assignment. During his time on the Marine Corps Uniform Board, Elms was credited with setting the standard for the retention of a
plain, clean, conservative standard of dress as embodied by the uniform worn by male and female Marines today. He steadfastly recommended against following fashion trends, particularly when it came to the width and size of lapels, neckwear and trouser design. Instead, he opted to incorporate new fabrics that enhance the appearance and comfort of the basic Marine uniform under all climate conditions.

Wong said that the facility's tailor shop is what sets it apart from other retailers who sell Marine uniforms.

"We make a lot of uniforms from scratch, especially for women," he noted.
The approximately 16 tailors employed by The Marine Shop are responsible for turning out thousands of uniforms for both officers and enlisted personnel annually. Ceremonial swords, medals, ribbons, uniform accessories for officers and enlisted personnel, plaques, and other gifts are also available at the store.

The combined MCA Bookstore and The Marine Shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday during the remodeling. Long-distance orders during the construction phase can be made by calling (877) 640-7195, by fax at (703) 640-6809 or via the e-mail at tms@marineshop.com.

Julia LeDoux is a staff writer for the Potomac News in Woodbridge.