60 Years of Service

This month marks the 60th year that Roy has worked at W.J.French & Son. To mark this celebration we asked Roy a range of questions about his career…

What was the shop like when you first started?
“The shop was much smaller than it is now, with only the original shop, which is middle premises, now the dedicated children’s department. I watched all the extensions being built in the 1960s.
The men’s department (on the south side) had just been purchased, but had not yet been extended. Shorty after I arrived the men’s department was extended back over the rear garden and we dug down to extend the basement area, which became the lower ground part of the men’s department.
The butchers shop on the north side was purchased 2 years later and the lady’s department was relocated in this section.  Again a lower ground floor area was dug out where the old garden was and an additional mezzanine area added, to make it three levels. The huge brass banisters for the ladies stairs came from Harley Street as the builders working on the shop had just taken it out on another job. We also found a well during the evacuations which we covered up, but the lower floor of the ladies department is still called ‘The Well’.”

What’s changed the most in the world of shoes since you started?
“It took a lot of years as a junior and training before I was allowed to measure and fit shoes.  I then studied to become a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters.
The biggest change in shoes is that now there are far less width and size fittings, also it has gone from formal shoes to much more casual styles.
In the 60s men wore a suede shoe or moccasin for casual wear. Ladies had court shoes.
Children used to have winter shoes and summer shoes so we used to have back to school busy times twice a year.”

What is the secret to staying in the same job for 60 years?
“The main secret to my 60 years is working with like minded owners and staff who all have the same ethos/goal/ what do you call that brand objective.
Building great relationships with customers, staff and suppliers.  I have seen 4 or sometimes 5 generations of the same family shop with us and have known 5 generations of the French family.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned working in retail?
“My advise is to remember every customer is different, embrace the challenges they bring, watch, listen and learn from others and above all smile and be happy.”

What does the shop mean to you?
“French’s means a lot to me, not only have I worked there from the age of 15, I also met my wife here and had the pleasure of working with my two boys, when they were Saturday staff.”

How did it feel reaching 60 years here?
“It felt a real achievement reaching 60 years, but it has also been a privilege to work alongside so many great characters. They have kept me entertained with the ups and downs of their lives. We always say that I should write a book about it but I don’t think people would believe me!”

If the shop were a person, what kind of personality would it have?
“I would say it’s is friendly, happy and caring.”

Roy has worked with 4 generations of the French family and we couldn’t be more proud to have a member of staff with experience and shoe knowledge this invaluable.