Oct 31, 2006 By James Pletcher Jr. 2 min read

Gabriel Brothers is planning a multi-media campaign to mark the opening Wednesday of its new flagship store in Morgantown, W.Va. The opening will begin at 7 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the first 500 people through the door receiving a free T-shirt. Gabriel Brothers will also be giving away gift cards and 50 pairs of tickets to the sold-out West Virginia University-Cincinnati football game on Nov. 11.

Local radio stations WVAQ and WKKW will broadcast from the new store during the opening week giving local customers a chance to compete in the “Dress for Less Challenge,’ where shoppers can register to win $100 Gabes gift cards, and vie for the tickets to the football game.

The new store, which provides 58,000 square feet of retail space, is located in the Morgantown Commons at 6500 Mall Road next to Morgantown Mall.

The 45-year old company, founded and operated by Gabriel family members from Uniontown, will offer a number of expanded and new departments in the store, John Cook, senior vice president of operations, said.

“We carry a small amount of electronics now but that will grow. We offer furniture maybe three times a year. We are expanding furniture at this store so we will offer it 52 weeks out of the year,’ Cook said. The flagship store will also feature an expanded infants and toddlers department and a special West Virginia University shop “for all the Mountaineers fans,’ Cook added. When asked why the company decided to open the store, Cook replied, “We have been looking for a flagship store. The one we have now in Morgantown is currently too small. So we will operate both stores.

“This (the flagship store) is the latest prototype that Gabriel Brothers will do with its stores in the future.

Cook was quick to point out what hasn’t changed.

“Our philosophy of providing quality merchandise at the lowest possible price remains the same,’ he said.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.gabriel brothers.com and affiliate Rugged Wearhouse www.ruggedwearhouse.com.