New owners vow to continue shop's success after Black Country crash tragedy
The new owners of a uniform shop in the Black Country have vowed to make the business succeed after its former owner was killed in a crash.
Totally Uniform in Kingswinford opened its doors in 1989 and has served the needs of tens of thousands of families in the local community for three decades.
Former owner Jennifer Batty died when she was hit by a car in Amblecote in December, aged 59 and on the very day she was due to retire.
Grant Walters, aged 30, with his brother Greg, aged 33, and Nick Jones, aged 31, have taken over the store which has now moved from Park Street to larger premises on the High Street.
He said: "Totally uniform’s success to date has been down to the sheer hard work and passion Jenny put into every aspect of the business, and we have all lost such a fantastic member of the community.
"It is now Jenny's legacy and we are ready to begin the next chapter of this fantastic company's journey and help create those special memories for our customers over the next decades to come."
Mr Walters said the shop was the "perfect fit" as the team already owned The Sports Shop nearby.
"During the past few months we have kept very busy and, as planned, moved into a larger and more accessible premises just around the corner from the previous shop," he added.
"We have been hard at work renovating and re-branding the business and creating a modernised look and feel that will see the store transition into its next phase of life.
"As well as the new premises, we have heavily invested in our information technology infrastructure, implementing innovative order systems, stock control measures and the creation of a brand-new website.
"Our new online store allows customers to order around-the-clock with home delivery and click-and-collect options, plus much more.
"We see this aspect as fundamental during the current pandemic and allowing us to still function and maintain service to customers during any future periods of tighter social restrictions.
"Our mission statement is simple, to offer the seamless online customer experience expected by modern, while also being here, right in the heart of the local community, like we always have been, offering a personalised, friendly and informative experience in-store."
Ms Batty was walking her beloved dog Rebel when the fatal crash happened at the junction of Brettell Lane and Audnam shortly before 7am on December 12.
