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Staying Independent
While many other independent department stores have disappeared from the High Street, there is one family-run company in New Malden which is still going strong - and has, in fact,
expanded into Cobham, Dorking and Farnham.
Its founder was Welshman Tudor Williams, who set up the store at 53 High Street, New Malden, in 1913. He established it with his wife as a milliners and haberdashers.
In 1957, his son, Trevor, who is still the company chairman today, took over the running of the store. By then it had expanded from 53-59 High Street and sold mens' and womens' clothing, bedding and
furnishings, fashion accessories and cosmetics.
It now has approximately 18,000sq ft of floorspace.
An escalator and lift were installed and, over the years, the store updated its ranges and introduced new brands while still retaining much of the original character.
It now stocks Esprit, Dash, Eastex, Jacques Vert, Windsmoor ladies wear and Haggar Docker and Cotton Field for men.
The beauty department has also expanded and stocks Lancome and Clarins products.
The company also took over other stores. Two smaller outlets, specialising in beds and linen, were acquired in Cobham in 1997 and Dorking in 1998, then in 2005 Tudor Williams took over Elphicks in
Farnham.
"This was another family-owned independent store," says Deborah McMinn, group merchandising director. "The family wanted to make sure the store was sold to another independent which was how we
acquired it."
Trevor's son-in-law, John Morris, joined the business in 1994 and is now managing director.
He says: "To us the customer is all important! We are here to provide them with a first class, flexible and personal service.
"We believe that quality and value for money are vital for success, and we aim to be better than our competitors, hence our 'never knowingly undersold in Surrey' pricing policy. What makes us
different is that we are an established and well-respected part of the local community and want to serve it well.
It is important for us to listen to what the customer wants, and react accordingly. Customer and employee feedback is a fundamental part of our success. We believe in constantly moving the business
forward with new brands and ideas but not at so fast a pace that we lose our 'old favourites' and traditional values."
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