Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Take a walk in Ashworth Valley
- Littleborough Rushbearing Festival 2019
- Interview with Richard Hagan
- Lovicks celebrates centenary of business in Rochdale
- Interview with Matt Calland
- 80 years of Rochdale & District RSPCA
- Highlights of a mayoral year
- Hairdressing Trend - Perm
- Mother & daughter both receive OBE in Queen’s birthday honours
- Interview with Elsie Wraighte
- Safety in aesthetics
- Sing! Littleborough
- Local singer SJ Johnson
- Summer of sporting success for local stars
- Shout until you are hoarse – you won’t get an autumn course of antibiotics
- Teen acne versus adult acne
- HOPE celebrating 60 years »
- Autumn vegetable soup recipe
- Advertisers
Autumn 2019HOPE celebrating 60 years
DENIS HOPE, one of Rochdale’s oldest independent family businesses is celebrating its 60th birthday.
It all began in 1959 when Denis, who was working at Edward Taylor’s in Heywood, decided it was time to start up on his own.
With a vision and a passion for the clothing industry, Denis aimed to provide ranges sourced from throughout Britain and Europe, coupled with unbeatable customer service.
He opened the doors to a small Drake Street shop in September 1959, and such was the success, that the shop was extended into the property next door.
Years later other stores were opened in Oldham and Bury, and a ladies department created within the flagship Drake Street store.
There has always been a family feel to the store; the business has seen three generations of the Hope family working in it, and has also served three generations of customers. Many customers fondly recall shopping at Denis Hope with their parents.
When Denis retired the business was handed over to his son Michael and new labels were added to the already strong brand mix, the biggest addition being Hugo Boss. Hope is now one of the biggest stockists of Hugo Boss outside Manchester City centre.
The business continues to go from strength to strength, and though there are no longer Oldham and Bury stores, there is now a stunning mens and ladies store in Clitheroe.
The Rochdale ladies department was moved four years ago to its current location in Norden, where it continues to flourish.
In October 2018, the flagship store in Rochdale was relocated to Norden due to the decline of Drake Street.
Incorporated in the move to Norden was a rebranding to HOPE Menswear, in keeping with the other HOPE stores.
Grandson Oliver, now in charge of the Norden store, has recreated a welcome atmosphere and pressure-free shopping environment.
Now occupying 794-798 Edenfield Road is the menswear store, formal hire department and the existing HOPE Womenswear.
Despite the changes and rebranding, the stores still hold true to the original values and ethos that Denis insisted on.