ONE of the oldest family owned department stores in the UK has celebrated its 250th birthday this week - right here in Somerset.
Hatchers in Taunton was founded in April 1775, beginning its life as a drapery business. Today, it is a thriving department store on the town’s High Street, employing more than 40 people and selling everything from toasters to toys and washing machines to womenswear (and menswear, too).
It stands as a beacon of retail commercial success in an age when store closures and “the demise of our High Street” is being reported daily.
The existing store location can track its roots to 1792. One of the day books from that time is still in existence and is a prized possession of the present directors of the firm.
A special event to mark the 250th anniversary was held on the morning of Tuesday, April 22, when former staff gathered for a “party” – and tucked into a specially made birthday cake. The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, also joined the celebrations.
The Hill and Raisey families, both living in Somerset, who became owners of the store in 1986, can trace their own family roots in Hatchers back to the 60s and early 70s when members of both families were directors in the store.
Mike Hill and Clive Raisey, who were already shareholders in the company, said that taking full ownership was a huge decision at the time, but one that has made them extremely proud.
Mike said: “Predatory development and investment companies were circling to buy Hatchers at the time. But we wanted it to stay local. We wanted to keep it as a family business. It was a stressful time, for sure, and from that moment on it was a vertical learning curve.”
Clive commented: “We have always looked on Hatchers as being like a family. We did have offers to buy it from us but we wanted to protect it for the future, for all the staff that work there. Some of our staff have spent all of their working life at Hatchers.”
Mr Hill and Mr Raisey’s sons, Stephen and Mark, are now directors of the business. And the family focus of the business continues as other family members are also involved: Mike's wife Patricia, son David, daughter-in-law Tracey, and granddaughters Emily and Phoebe. Mark's wife Vicky, and his children Emily, Toby, Will and Tom have all spent time in the business too.
Stephen said: “The Hatchers story is really unique in today’s business world. What other store can talk of such history? And I am proud to be part owner of the company now.”
Mark added: “It is a fantastic past but I believe we also have a bright future. The people of Taunton – and much further afield – continue to support us. We have a fantastically loyal customer base, so we look forward to our 300th birthday.”