New business 'dresses' up former meeting space
Brunswick Uniform Supply offers clothing, work wear to the public
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER AMATO Brunswick Uniform Supply, North Brunswick, sells a variety of clothing, uniforms, work wear and shoes, including brands Levi's, Dockers, Carhartt and Timberland.

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Local residents looking for T-shirts, work wear, uniforms or outerwear can now visit Brunswick Uniform Supply Inc., located in the loft above Asbury-Ms. Locksmithing at 1048 Livingston Ave.

The 3,000-square-foot store is open to the public, catering to individuals, organizations or companies who are looking to purchase discounted T-shirts, golf shirts, vintage wash tees, sweatshirts, hoodies, fleeces, button-down shirts, denim shirts, denim jeans, coveralls, khakis, cargo pants, safety boots, rubber overshoes, high-visibility clothing items, fire-resistant items, rain jackets, rain suits, caps, hardhats, belts, bandannas, white gloves, socks, scrubs, chef coats and vests, aprons, lab coats and jackets.

The brand names include Carhartt, Levi's, Dockers, Dickies Workwear, Dickies scrubs, Red Kap, Timberland, Timberland PRO, Railroad brand socks, Bulwark protective apparel, Wolverine, Camber, Chef Designs, Rockies and Eagle Work.

Also available are compasses, flashlights, hole punchers, high-speed changers, shoe-care products, kneepads, contractor gloves and heating and cooling packs.

Anyone can come in and purchase individual items, owner Karen Levine Pedone said. However, for those looking for actual uniforms, she said she caters to workers from hospitals, maintenance, food service, school districts, public works, landscaping companies and property-management companies. There are supplies in the store as well as through catalogs, which she can order.

Although at the moment the store can only order police, fire and rescue supplies on an individual basis, Pedone said her goal is to expand the line down the road.

The North Brunswick resident said she can provide samples to customers, and also has equipped the store with fitting rooms so patrons can try on their clothing before buying. To accommodate customers, Pedone offers screen-printing and embroidery, and a seamstress is available for hemming.

"We can't control what their business makes them get, but we can certainly make their visit here pleasurable," she said.

Pedone had previously worked part-time at John's Uniforms on Hamilton Street in Somerset for 15 years. She decided in January 2008 that she missed the business, and began working out of a home office. Wanting to expand her clothing and shoe lines, she began looking for retail space around December 2008, and settled on the LivingstonAvenue location, which was being used as church meeting space, in February.

The store officially opened March 27, filling a niche that was left vacant when John's closed due to bankruptcy last October, Pedone said.

"In the 15 years I was there, I loved the business, I loved every part of it — I loved the customers, I loved doing the buying end, I loved it all," she said.

"We thrive on courtesy and professional attention," continued Pedone, who runs the store with two employees, Peggy Quaglietta, formerly of John's, and Shirley Mercado. "I know that this business is going to be successful. … The area needs it. Word of mouth is spreading. … It's a happy environment here."

The hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon, and closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call Karen or Peggy at 732-253-7499 or fax 732-253-0555.

Contact Jennifer Amato at

jamato@gmnews.com.