In 1944, Bill Shores, Sr. purchased framing equipment and materials from the Independent Glass Company and opened Bill Shores Frames on West Eighth Street. A sign painter by trade, he continued to keep his hand in both businesses while his wife assisted in the frame shop.Two years later Bill Shores, Jr. returned from his tour of duty as a World War II pilot, and joined his father in business. He also continued the tradition of sign painting until 1960.
During the fifty five years that the business remained in the Shores family, it occupied six different storefronts – all within a radius of three blocks from the courthouse. At some point the name changed from “Bill Shores Frames” to “Bill Shores Picture Frames and eventually to “Bill Shores Frames & Gallery”. The current owner, Kathy Reed, added the “Inc.” when she purchased the business from Bill Jr. in January, 2000.
Asked why she didn’t change the name of the business, Reed replied
“It was the most important thing I bought. Small businesses don’t last for more than five decades without doing something very right. The competition and the economic climate just don’t support that kind of longevity unless you are very, very good at what you do.”
In 2007 the business was moved to the 2 NorthShore Shopping Center on Manufacturers Road. http://www.twonorthshore.com/
We can be reached at:
307 Manufacturers Rd. Ste 117, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405
Phone: 423-756-6746
Fax: 423-756-6747
Email: office@billshoresframes.com