'Thank you Bilston' - Family-run menswear store closing down afer 95 years
A family-run menswear shop which has been part of Bilston life for 95 years is set to close.
A.R. White and Sons will close its doors for the last time this September following owner Chris White's announcement that he would be retiring after more than 45 years running the shop.
The family business on Church Street was established by Albert Reginald White in 1929, with Kenneth White coming on board in 1949, before knocking the shop down and rebuilding it in the same spot.
Chris White said he first began working there in 1980 at the age of 18, and later took it over.
Now the 63-year-old said he is ready to ease into retirement and spend more time with family and friends.
He wrote a message on Facebook to announce that the shop would be holding a closing-down sale over the next few months, as well as its normal services, and offered thanks to the people of Bilston for their continued support.
He said: "It is with a saddened heart that after after 95 years, I have taken the tough decision to start a closing-down sale.
"I envisage the shop will close around September and we will continue to take special orders, alterations and dry cleaning up to the exact closing date.
"After working for more than 45 years, I feel it is time to ease into retirement and spend more time with family and friends.
"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the Bilston people and customers from further afield for all their support, loyalty and friendship.
"My grandad Albert Reginald started the family business in 1929, he was joined by my father Kenneth in 1949 and I joined the business in 1980 aged 18.
"It has always been an honour to serve the people of Bilston and I will always consider myself a Bilstonian.
"The closing-down sale is now on, so please pop in to pick up a bargain or just so we can thank you for your support."
