FSP Retail Blog

Lots of birthdays going on at the moment – or should I say birth-years - as many retailers seem to be celebrating the fact that they’ve been around for significantly more than the average person (even the cosseted and therefore presumably well-preserved MPs!)

Marks & Spencer are celebrating 125 years, as are Jaeger, whilst Sainsbury’s has clocked up a whopping 140 years! We at FSP can barely compete; what we had considered a reasonably mature 30 years, seems barely pubescent in comparison!

A look at the FSP database of retail information shows that the three grandfathers of retail mentioned above are not alone. The award for amazing durability goes to Ede & Ravenscroft, tailors of distinction. Their timeless offer and niche service offering mean that 320 years on they still have a loyal following and a place in a select market.

The league table of oldest retailers is most definitely dominated by high end exclusivity. You won’t be surprised to hear that retailers older than 200 years include Fortnum & Mason, Villeroy & Boch, Wedgwood, Hamleys, Mappin & Webb, Asprey and Gieves & Hawkes.

The durability of these retailers is undoubtedly a reflection of their ability to afford investment in customer service, along with providing their superior product.

Using FSP’s price classification, retailers identified with an offering any lower than middle were founded much later, although M&Co did made an appearance in 1834 and DE Shoes, Greenwoods and Peacocks were established in the late 19th century.

It will be interesting to see who, out of Primark (founded in 1969 with a Value price stance), Next (founded in 1982 with a Middle price stance) or Mulberry (founded in 1974 with a Premium price stance), will still be around in the 22nd century!