Store knows the secrets of success
Margee was established during the Great Depression and has survived through devaluation, the three-day week and several recessions. LOUISE BRYNING discovers how.
FASHION can be a fickle business.
But one Lancaster store has successfully kept up with the trends for 76 years.
Margee in China Street should know what it takes to ride economic storms for the business was actually set up in the Depression years of the Thirties.
Margery Magauran founded Margee in 1933. Aged only 18, she wasn't old enough to sign the contract so her father did the honours even though his daughter was setting up in direct competition to a ladieswear shop he ran in Market Street.
Perhaps he was relieved Margery hadn't pursued her first choice career path into the theatre.
Quoted in a newspaper article from 1970, Margery said life in fashion was a challenge.
"The fashion scene is never static. Each season brings its new trends and each season poses the problem of buying the right merchandise."
A view echoed by Margery's son, Anthony, who has run the business since 1971 when his mother died aged 56.
"In 1971, I would have been surprised if anyone had told me that Margee would outlast Storey Bros never mind Woolworths," he said.
Back then Anthony had just qualified as a chartered accountant in London and continued to work there, leaving the day-to-day control of the business in the capable hands of the staff. It's a recipe which is still proving successful almost 40 years on.
"I'm not the sort of boss who sits in his office and no-one dare say 'boo' to me," said Anthony. "I'm not here all the time so our success is down to the staff. We discuss what we should stock, what's selling and what's not and they're encouraged to chip in with ideas."
They even have the chance to see some of the fashion shows which, according to Anthony, are more hard work than glamour.
"We always buy six months ahead and have to predict what the fashions are going to be but we've very good relations with our suppliers. In 76 years we've never missed paying a bill so that stands for something."
And though you might not think Lancaster is particularly fashionable or stylish, Margee does boast a clientele who can't wait to get their hands on the latest styles.
Anthony lives in London where, he says, people often look very shabby. "People dress up here much more than they do in London, especially when they're going out."
Margee has a pretty steady client base boosted by the presence of the university with visiting lecturers and parents of students often popping in. The mailing list includes customers from all over the country. And it's them who will probably see Margee through the current economic crisis.
"I don't think there's a magic formula, as such," said Anthony. "There are going to be problems running any business but you have to be prepared to fight your way through.
"When there's a recession on, it's not a good idea to completely change your business because in a year or two it will be over. You've just got to stick with it."
One line Margee has introduced in response to the current climate is reasonably-priced business suiting, targeted at professional women and those attending interviews.
"Wear one of these suits and you're going to stand out from the crowd and they're doing very well."
Much like the Margee store itself.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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