After nearly four decades at the helm, David Epling is stepping down as the owner of The Earle, a longtime fixture in Owensboro’s retail community. Epling purchased the men’s clothing store in 1986 and is now passing the torch to Nick Whiteside.
The transaction will be final next month.
Founded in the mid-1960s by the Earle family, the business initially opened in the Williamsburg Square shopping center before relocating to the Executive Inn and later its current location in Wesleyan Park Plaza. Over the years, The Earle has become synonymous with quality service, tailored clothing, and a personal touch that Epling said has cultivated a loyal clientele.
“We’ve always focused on taking care of people and being nice to them. It’s pretty simple,” Epling said. “We offer in-house tailoring, and that’s been a big part of our success.”
Epling said the time felt right to sell, though he plans to stay on and assist Whiteside during the transition.
“I still love the business, and I’ll be here to mentor Nick for a couple of years,” he said.
Whiteside moved to Owensboro in 1999 to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College and said taking over The Earle was a dream come true.
“I first came here over 20 years ago, and even back then, The Earle was a cornerstone of this community,” Whiteside said. “When the opportunity came up, it just felt like the right time to invest.”
Known for its collection of quality brands such as Peter Millar, The Earle offers everything from suits and sports coats to casual wear and golf attire. The store also provides tuxedo rentals, a service Whiteside hopes to expand along with the store’s social media presence to attract younger customers.
“David has built such a strong foundation. My goal is to grow the business while continuing to serve the clients who have been loyal for so many years,” Whiteside said.
Epling expressed confidence in Whiteside’s ability to carry the business forward.
“Nick’s great with people, and he’s eager to learn. I think he’s going to be just fine,” he said.
With a secure lease in Wesleyan Park Plaza, Whiteside is optimistic about the store’s future in its current location, citing its central position and strong neighboring businesses.
For Whiteside, the most rewarding part of his new role will be working with customers.
“I love seeing people come out of the dressing room with a smile on their face because they know they look good. When they feel better about themselves, it’s a great moment,” he said.
Epling and Whiteside agree that The Earle’s legacy is built on relationships and community.
“It’s always been about the people,” Epling said. “That’s what makes this place special.”
