‘I’m aware everything changes but it’s not always for the better,’ says concerned Northampton town centre business owner
The concerned owner of a long-standing business in Northampton town centre has shared he is aware that everything changes, but that does not mean it is always for the better.
Jonathan Williams is the managing director of Montague Jeffery on St Giles’ Street, which was founded by his great grandfather in 1901 at the age of 19.
Four generations later and it is Jonathan and his sister Sally Williams who run the business, which is celebrating 125 years this year. Jonathan has been in the family-run business for 46 years and Sally for 39.
Montague Jeffery offers contemporary menswear, including suits, jackets, trousers, shirts, shoes and headwear, and prides itself as a one stop shop.
It is the personal service and quality of the clothing they sell which keeps customers coming back for more – as well as the consistency of stock once customers find a brand, shape and style they like.
Jonathan explained the store has “bread and butter stock” like black and grey suits, white shirts and navy socks which will always be in demand, as well as quirky and fun shirts, waistcoats and accessories.
The owner believes St Giles’ Street is the ideal location for a business like Montague Jeffery, but even they have faced challenges since the pandemic.
“The trend of working from home changed people’s perceptions on clothing and officewear,” said Jonathan. “There’s less people in town and luckily we have become a destination shop. People do make the effort for a lot of the like-minded businesses in St Giles’ Street.
“Although we used to sell a tremendous number of office suits, that has changed to weddings, interviews and days out. It has changed from business to leisure, casual and formal weddings, and we’re lucky in that respect.”
Jonathan reached out to the Chronicle & Echo to express his concern following the shock news from The Picturedrome, and said: “It’s very, very sad how the town has changed. I’m Northampton born and bred and I’m aware everything changes, but it’s not always for the better mind you.
“There’s a lack of stores like BHS, Debenhams, M&S and Woolworths, which give people a reason to visit the town. What the council and others forget is that independent retail and hospitality offer a unique shopping experience for customers and create employment.
“Those customers then support cafes and eateries, and it keeps money circulating in Northampton rather than giving it to some multi-national company and it goes back to a head office in London. Having a mix of shops and businesses is paramount to the town succeeding.”
Jonathan shared his view that West Northamptonshire Council needs a better understanding of what those working in independent retail and hospitality really want and need, and the first priority should be free or subsidised town centre parking.
“The price has just gone up in premium areas,” said Jonathan. “It’s one of the few ways one can encourage customers to come into the town, or they won’t bother, and they need to use the Market Square in a much better way than they currently do. I’d love to see an antiques fair, farmers market and food fairs.”
The business owner says he does not think he could ever be complacent about Montague Jeffery maintaining its success in Northampton town centre, and that if the downward trend of footfall continues, he will have to think about the future feasibility, profitability and success of the business.
Jonathan’s hope is to see Northampton town centre prosper and for Montague Jeffery to remain as part of that. He would love to see other successful businesses move to St Giles’ Street to strengthen the offering of the area, such as Clues Menswear and Cloud 8 in College Street Mews.
“All of us would love to succeed and carry on for many years, and it’s a shame that it’s not guaranteed,” Jonathan concluded.