In 1981, Jim Marcovis purchased G&L Clothing. Marcovis previously owned The Loft jean stores which were located in Valley West Mall, Merle Hay Mall and other locations. During the Great Flood of 1993 G&L Clothing expanded, nearly doubling its size. After surviving a fire and subsequent water damage the following year, a larger, more devastating blaze temporarily closed the store in late 1994. After four weeks, the store was able to reopen in the old WHO (AM) Radio building at Eleventh and Walnut Streets in downtown Des Moines. In February 1996 the company opened its current store at 1801 Ingersoll Ave, just west of the downtown area.