Ads
Published
Jul 28, 2017
Reading time
2 minutes
Download
Download the article
Print
Text size

Ilford’s oldest department store Bodgers to close down

Published
Jul 28, 2017

Bodgers, the 125-year old department store at 113 High Road, Ilford, is closing its doors in February after owners Morleys struggled to reverse its declining sales.


Photo: Bodgers


The discount department store opened in June 1890 in premises previously occupied by the Manchester Drapery Establishment and quickly became a household word in Ilford and an integral part of the Ilford scene.

The business founded by John Bodger and his wife was acquired by Morleys Stores Group in 1959 and underwent several extensions in the 70s and 80s. It continued trading as Ilford’s favourite discount department store and prided itself on the best service and unbeatable prices.


Photo: Bodgers


Bodger is another victim of the changing retail environment, with its chairman blaming the loss of consumers to nearby Westfield Stratford City, which opened in 2011 with 1,905 sq ft of retail space and a diverse mix of British and international retailers.

The 70 members of staff were told of the closure this morning and the company will enter into a consultation period with its employees where it will help them find alternative employment in other Morleys stores.

Managing director David Hordle said “We have done everything we can over the last few years to improve profitability, including significantly reducing our cost base. Nevertheless we have been unable to reverse the decline, resulting in losses which are not sustainable in the long term.”

Executive chairman Bernard Dreesmann added: “This has been an exceptionally difficult decision as we have been serving the Ilford community since 1959 however the continued challenging trading environment and a drift of customers in particular to Westfield in Stratford has made it impossible for us to find a successful trading format. Our focus will now be to ensure every member of staff is supported through the consultation so we can ensure we can help them find the best option for them.”

Copyright © 2024 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.