PROFESSIONAL FASHION UNIFORMS MARKS 10 YEARS

Margaret Edmundson and Gerri Stone have been supplying clothing to people in the health care field for the past 10 years. They are the co-owners of Professional Fashion Uniforms, a retail apparel store in Cape Girardeau.

The store, which first opened for business in May 1982, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

"We're mostly in uniforms for the health field," said Edmundson. "We also do career wear on special order.

"We also do mastectomy and surgical bra fittings and custom bras up to size 52." Professional shoes are also available at the outlet.

The store, located at 46 Plaza Way, is flexible in serving its customers. "If people want uniforms, they may come in and buy a year's supply, and then they may come in and buy a lab coat," Edmundson said.

After seven years at their original location on Independence, Edmundson and Stone moved to their current location, which is larger.

Edmundson said the constantly changing field of health care forces her business to make changes to keep up. For example, a ruling was made recently under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) that requires some health care providers to wear special fluid repellent clothing.

"There are more and more people in the medical field," Edmundson said, "OSHA made this ruling due to the AIDS risk."

Edmundson read an explanation of the new requirement: "`Health care workers must be more safety-conscious than ever before.' That says it all."

There is clothing available at the store for both men and women. Edmundson said, "We do have male uniforms for doctors and nurses.

"It's just like going to any store and shopping."

The store has one full-time and one part-time employee, with the owners putting in several hours during the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. business days. The store is closed on Sunday.

Edmundson is the former owner of Carver's Flower Shop, now Arrangements by Joyce, on Sprigg Street. "I've just always been in business for myself," said Edmundson. "I've had indoor theaters, hotels, you name it.

"Gerri is a registered nurse," Edmundson said. "She spent over 30 years in the nursing field. She still does it part-time to keep in touch."

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Professional Fashion Uniforms is holding a sale.

"We're giving 20 percent off uniforms and shoes; we have a 50-percent-off sale rack; we're giving away a $100 gift certificate and 10 $10 gift certificates," Edmundson said.