Shifnal clothes store celebrating 70 years in business

Richards, based in the centre of the town, specialises in selling traditional men’s and women’s clothing and has built up a customer base from around the country.

Stuart Richards, the third generation of his family to manage the shop, said that they had seen fashions and trends change considerably during the seven decades.

His grandfather and grandmother, Harold and Ethel Richards, started the business in 1954 in Market Place, before having a new premises built in Bradford Street in 1965.

“Clothes were a lot more formal then – they sold a lot of suits and offered a tailoring service but fashions are much more casual now,” said Stuart, aged 54, who has been at Richards since he was 18 alongside his father, Bernard, and mother, Joyce, who still work there part time.

“We still have some customers who have been coming here since we opened but we have also got people who come from all over the country.

“They are usually visiting the area and staying in the town and like to come in and shop with us each time they are here.”

Stuart said that the key to the business’s success was the personal service they offered.

“We are friendly, helpful and courteous – that is something not on offer at all shops,” he added.