Friday, November 14, 2014

Griffey's Professional Uniforms, Inc., Biography



     Griffey’s Professional Uniforms, Inc. was founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1970 by Flora Mae Griffey.  She and her husband Jake were trying to think of a business to start up after he retired to help supplement income.

     While getting her hair done, her hairdresser complained about having to travel to Memphis to buy beautician’s smocks, since the supplier in Little Rock was so rude and did not have a good selection.  “Flora Mae, you should open a uniform store.”  She researched uniforms in Arkansas for beauticians, barbers, and nurses.  The market was open; there was not any competition. 

     So February 1, 1970, Griffey’s Uniforms was opened on West Markham, where it is today.  Her husband Jake hand-lettered signs, refurbished used fixtures and racks.  They were on a budget.

     Business slowly picked up by word-of-mouth.  One day, a uniform salesman came to call on her, he looked around the store and snidely said, “You might as well pack all this up and send back.  You won’t make it.”  Ms. Griffey was 40 years old, and had no experience starting a business.  She was riding on faith and customer demand.  She was heartbroken, but stayed the course.  A couple of years later, that same salesman called on her to open an account for his line of uniforms.  She declined….. She had plenty of suppliers in the uniform industry who were happy to sell to the largest uniform retailer in Arkansas.

     Within the next couple of years, she opened locations in North Little Rock and Hot Springs, so business WAS doing very well.  In 2012 a much needed Conway location opened.

          Since 1970, Ms. Griffey focused on the now.  She never concerned herself with, “I wonder what our competition is doing?”  She focused on her business and she loved her employees like family. 

     Flora Mae Griffey was one of a few woman-owned businesses in Arkansas.  Though gender was not a focus within the uniform industry, she was known and respected by the Industry leaders.

     Her business was her life and she worked years into normal retirement.  In 2008, she suffered a stroke that took her eyesight.  Her daughter Nancy Griffey Jordan, raised in the family business, managed the day to day activities of the four stores.   In June 2009, she took over the business when Ms. Griffey died.

    Since 2009, three stores have moved to better and/or larger locations, and all four have been remodeled and updated to reflect the changing demographics.

     Ms. Griffey’s other daughter Carla Griffey Hazlewood, has been doing all of the embroidery and logos for customers, clinics, and hospitals since 1980. 

     2015 proves to be the best year ever – launching the GPU web store, adding chef wear, and hitting social media hard.  “We have to grow and change or get left behind.  The average age of a nurse is 24.”

     Griffey’s Professional Uniforms, Inc. is proud to be a family owned, local business.  Nancy’s daughter Alex Jordan Miller, is third generation Griffey.  She is finishing her business degree at UALR, and manages the stores.  Nancy said, “Alex napped in a uniform box under our desks when she was a baby. I think she will do just fine.”

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Griffey's Professional Uniforms, Inc.



Griffey's Professional Uniforms, Inc.
 
 
Griffey's Professional Uniforms, Inc. was established in February, 1970.  All locations are owned and operated by the Griffey family.  Customers are able to shop at any of our four locations in Arkansas:  Conway, Hot Springs, Little Rock, and North Little Rock. 
 
Besides scrubs, we have a wide selection of medical accessories, shoes, hosiery, and lab coats. To add a personal touch, a company's logo, a person's name and credentials can be monogrammed.  We have recently added Bolder Bands and The Med Sleeves.  The Med Sleeves fit over your arms for added warmth, to cover tattoos, and as a fun accessory.  Our expanded locations in North Little Rock and Conway are now selling chef attire.
 
We also have a web store for your added convenience.  Our web store is located at www.griffeysuniforms.com.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blog written by Laura E. Joseph
 
 
 
 
 
 


Working Too Hard?


Hosiery and Socks

Are you experiencing an aching back and tired feet as a result of working a long shift?

Griffey's has the solution for you!

We have compression trouser socks, unisex support socks, and support knee highs and pantyhose.

We also have AMPS socks.

Remember to call first and ask about our selection.

Shoes

Besides, hosiery and socks, we have quality shoes. Some of our brands are Grey's Anatomy, Klogs, Nurse Mates, and Timberland. Also different brands brag about being slip resistant, anti-fatigue, and leather. All of our locations have numerous pairs of shoes discounted.

In fact, the Little Rock location has all of the Allegria shoes discounted.

Remember the brand, selection, and size vary at each location.










Blog written by Laura E. Joseph

Do you need to purchase medical accessories?

 
Do you need to purchase medical accessories? Griffey's Professional Uniforms carries a wide assortment of medical accessories.  Please call the individual location to check the availability of the medical accessories one might need to purchase.

Stethoscopes

Littmann, MDF, and Prestige Medical-Stethoscope brands

We have a few replacement parts for the Littmann stethoscope.

MDF has a lifetime warranty and free parts for life when the customer registers online.

We have a wide variety of colors and types of stethoscopes.  We have ones which are perfect for the student. Other stethoscopes are perfect for taking vital signs and for the cardiologist.

Some of them are specially designed for infants, pediatrics, and adults.

Miscellaneous Medical Accessories

Hip clip Stethoscope Holder, Quick Equip Stethoscope Light, Stethoscope Tape Holder, Stethoscope Watch, Stethoscope ID Tags, Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Quick Lite Pupil Gauge Penlight, Percussion Reflex hammer, Snellen Pocket Eye Chart, Kelly Forceps-Hemostats, Lister Bandage Scissors, Utility Scissors, Eyeware, 5-Pocket Organizer Kit, ID Holders, Standard ID Holder, Sweeping Hand Watches, Lapel Watches, Insignia and Professional Tacks, and Badge Tacks.

BolderBand

"Chic headbands that stay put."  We have a wide assortment of sizes, colors, and designs.  They are perfect for any style and length of hair.

Scrub Caps

We have the perfect one to match your personality.  Come see our selection of colors, designs, and styles for both men and women.

Initial This Badge Reels

We have all initials and a variety of designs.



Blog written by Laura E. Joseph