Our History

Four generations of family dedicated to quality and fashion

Foster’s Menswear in Ararat has been making local men, and more recently women, look their best for as long as anyone can remember.  

The Foster’s story goes back 110 years when William Foster rented a small single front shop and began operation as W.J.Foster Men’s and Boy’s Outfitter and Mercer.  And a tradition was born.

Later, William John purchased the old  “Starts Albion Hotel” six shops down, which he re-built as brand new double frontage shop. This move was the talk of the town.

In 1937, William John handed the running of the business to his sons Jack and Robert (Bert), who continued as partners until 1963. Bert part gifted/part sold his share of the business to Jack’s youngest son Ian, who had already been working in the business for five years.

Jack’s record of service spanned at least 65 years until he was well into his 80’s.

Ian, in turn, passed on his experience and the business to his son Graeme and wife Alana, who are the current owners of the business. 

Then after ninety years in Ararat, the Foster family expanded the business and its reputation with a retail presence in Stawell.

While the fashions may have changed Foster’s menswear is still dedicated to quality and service, and today stocks a wide range of men and ladies wear - as well as school uniforms, corporate apparel and much more. 

William Foster couldn’t have guessed his retail vision of 1910 would still be alive and well after all this time. He would be well pleased.