They make clothing the old-fashioned way - they make it

WALTHAM

Women's clothing retailer Bon Worth, one of a dying breed that still manufactures the clothes sold in its stores, recently opened a new branch in Waltham.

The store opened last week in the River City Shopping Center on River Street. The Hendersonville, N.C.-based chain focuses on comfortable casual clothing and coordinates for the "mature woman," said the company's regional manager, Marilyn Lakin. Lakin said the company continues to control run its own manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Mexico because it keeps costs low.

Most of Bon Worth's pieces retail between $8.99 and $49.99. Lakin said that At-Large City Councilor Sarafina "Sally" Collura played an important role in bringing the store to Waltham.

"I had never met the woman, but I spoke to her several times, and she begged me the next time I came to Massachusetts to do a side trip and visit possible store [locations] with her," Lakin said from her office in New Jersey.

Lakin said Collura is a long-time customer and had hosted fashion shows featuring the store's clothing on her cable access television show in the past. The store will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.

-- Stephanie V. Siek