Thirteen long standing independent retailers in Rochdale town centre have been awarded a commemorative plaque and invited for afternoon tea by the Major and Mayoress of Rochdale.
The event, organised by the Rochdale Town Centre Management Company identified retail businesses that had been trading for over 25 years to celebrate their contribution to the town in the Jubilee year of 2012 and in honour of Rochdale being declared the World Capital of Co-operatives by the United Nations, as part of the International Year of Co-operatives.
Debbie O’Brien, Rochdale Town Centre Manager said:
“We wanted to do something to mark this special year of 2012 and celebrate the fact we have these fantastic independent businesses in Rochdale town centre and ensure the legacy of these businesses continues. We’ve just looked at independent retailers at the moment, but before the end of the year we also want to replicate the event with other business sectors and market traders.”
The thirteen businesses identified include Wilds of Rochdale – the longest standing independent retailer in the town, trading since 1902 selling beds, suites and fitted carpets, Seeley’s Bathrooms on St Mary’s Gate trading since 1935, and family owned furniture store Lovicks located on Yorkshire Street, established in 1919.
The battle for longest standing independent retailer was closely contended with Butterworth Brothers – family jewellers located on Drake Street - who started trading around 6 months after Wilds of Rochdale, in 1903.
The nine other businesses recognised include Denis Hope, Sandifords, The Accordian Shop, Butterworth Sports, Chris Paulson Cycles, Gregory Couzens, Chantilly, Jim McNicholas Carpet Bargains and Pennine Photographic.
Ian Sandiford, owner of Sandifords Rochdale said: “The fact that over half of these long standing businesses are located on Drake Street shows just how important Drake Street is and the role that it has in the future of the town. Sadly though when we first opened in 1969, there were 50 other businesses on the street that have now gone today.”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale hosted the event and awarded the plaques, celebrating afterwards with High Tea in the Mayors Parlour in Rochdale Town Hall.
Jim Taylor, Chief Executive of Rochdale Council said:
“ The contribution these businesses have all played to Rochdale has been significant over the years and should be celebrated. The town simply would not be the same without them”.
