Lionel Smith, Ltd

2025-2026 Bill 974: Lionel Smith, Ltd - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
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S. 974
STATUS INFORMATION
Concurrent Resolution
Sponsors: Senators Young, Adams, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Blackmon, Bright, Campsen, Cash, Chaplin, Climer, Corbin, Cromer, Davis, Devine, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Garrett, Goldfinch, Graham, Grooms, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Kimbrell, Leber, Martin, Massey, Matthews, Ott, Peeler, Rankin, Reichenbach, Rice, Sabb, Stubbs, Sutton, Tedder, Turner, Verdin, Walker, Williams and Zell
Document Path: SR-0552KM-AMB26.docx
Introduced in the Senate on March 3, 2026
Introduced in the House on March 4, 2026
Adopted by the General Assembly on March 4, 2026
Summary: Lionel Smith, Ltd
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date

Body

Action Description with journal page number

3/3/2026

Senate

Introduced, adopted, sent to House (
Senate Journal-page 6
)

3/4/2026

House

Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence (
House Journal-page 5
)

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legislative information
at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
03/03/2026

A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE LIONEL SMITH, LTD., ON
THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY; to COMMEND THE STORE FOR ITS
SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE IN MENSWEAR, TAILORING, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE; to HONOR
LIONEL "SMITTY" SMITH AND VAN SMITH FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP,
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LIFE OF
DOWNTOWN AIKEN AND THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA; AND to EXTEND BEST WISHES
FOR CONTINUED PROSPERITY.

W
hereas, Lionel Smith,
Ltd., a high-end men's clothing store in Aiken, first opened its doors in March
1976 under the leadership of founder Lionel "Smitty" Smith, beginning
a tradition of fine menswear, expert tailoring, and personal service that would
become a hallmark of the Central Savannah River Area and known throughout South
Carolina; and

W
hereas, the visionary
legend behind Lionel Smith, Ltd. and a man with an infectious smile and a
genuine interest in every person he meets, Mr. Smith ("Smitty" to all
Aikenites) honed his craft from his teenage years forward, working in and
managing local and regional clothing establishments- including Belk's,
Owen-Thomas, and LeGrand's- experiences that shaped the customer-first
philosophy and deep vendor relationships that define Lionel Smith, Ltd.; and

W
hereas, after its
founding in 1976, through hard work, community relationships, and exceptional
service, Lionel Smith, Ltd. quickly grew into the premier men's fashion
destination for Aiken County and the two-state region, attracting devoted
clients from across the Southeast; and

W
hereas, in 1982, the
store secured its enduring home in the heart of downtown Aiken, reinforcing
both the vitality of Laurens Street and the city's village-center identity, and
helping to anchor a welcoming retail environment for residents and visitors
alike; and

W
hereas, Mr. Smith and
his late wife of fifty-nine years, Dorothy Burton "Dot" Smith, had two
children, Van and Kelli. Van purchased the business from Mr. Smith in 1992 and
decided that to have continued success in the menswear business, Lionel Smith,
Ltd. had to be known for its high level of customer service and exquisite taste
level in merchandise. In recent years, Van and his team have ushered in a new
era for Lionel Smith, Ltd. while maintaining the excellent customer service and
quality goods for which the company has been known; and

W
hereas, Lionel Smith,
Ltd. is renowned for expert alterations executed by in-house seamstresses, a
curated and extensive tie selection, and a classic in-store atmosphere that
invites conversation and cultivates long-term relationships with generations of
customers; and

W
hereas, over the
years, Lionel Smith, Ltd. has continued to prove its staying power through its
commitment to its community, bolstering its reputation and flourishing in an
age when small family businesses are increasingly rare, and online retailers
have created enormous pressure on brick-and-mortar stores. The Lionel Smith,
Ltd. story reflects the kind of tradition, perseverance, and pride that
resonates nationwide; and

W
hereas, for five
decades, Lionel Smith, Ltd. has supported local employment, invested in
downtown Aiken, and served as a civic-minded business that reflects the best of
South Carolina hospitality and craftsmanship. Now, therefore,

B
e it resolved by the
Senate with the House of Representatives concurring:

T
hat the members of the
South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate
Lionel Smith, Ltd., on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary; commend the
store for its sustained excellence in menswear, tailoring, and customer service;
honor Lionel "Smitty" Smith and Van Smith for their leadership,
entrepreneurship, and contributions to the economic and cultural life of
downtown Aiken and the Central Savannah River Area; and extend best wishes for
continued prosperity.

B
e it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Lionel "Smitty" Smith,
Van Smith, and the employees of Lionel Smith, Ltd., with the deepest
appreciation of the people of South Carolina for fifty years of excellence.

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This web page was last updated on March 3, 2026 at 2:18 PM