1859
|
James
David Williams started work running three mobile
shops and a growing letter order trade. |
| 1882 |
The
Post Office launched Parcel Post. This was a much
cheaper delivery method than the one offered by
the railways, helping Williams' business. |
| 1884 |
J
D Williams' business had grown and he moved to
premises in Watling Street, Manchester.
Meanwhile, George Oxendale had opened a drapers
shop in Northallerton which quietly grew until
he died and left the business to his grandson,
who instigated the expansion of the company. |
| 1902 |
Oxendales
had grown considerably and their first advertisement
appeared in the press. |
| 1907 |
Oxendales
prospered and built Granby House (still standing
in Granby Row, Manchester today).
While both companies grew, Frank Derry, a Londoner,
put an idea into action and devised a webbing
belt for men, fitted with four magnets (supposedly
to improve health and vigour). The 'Magnet Belt'
was an instant success and was sold for five shillings
(one shilling down and four one shilling payments
weekly). Demand grew and requests for a larger
belt encouraged Frank to introduce the 'Hercules'
belt, at two guineas and still sold on a term
basis. Next came the 'Magnet Corset' (a support
garment with magnetised metal stays). Eventually
the business, Ambrose Wilson, became the largest
mail order Corset House in the world. |
| 1921 |
J
D Williams became a private company to take over
from the original founded in 1875. |
| 1963 |
All
Williams family shares were bought by Cooper-Taymil
Ltd (a subsidiary of Alliance Brothers Ltd.). |
| 1969 |
N
Brown acquired Ambrose Wilson. |
| 1970 |
The
Group acquired J D Williams shares.
Later Dale House was formed following acquisition
of Quality Post (ex Burton Group) and Halwins.
Oxendales then expanded to Ireland. |
| 1987 |
Aldrex
was bought (a small Gloucester based company)
and now operates from a base in Bury together
with Bury Boot & Shoe. |
| 1990 |
Spring
saw the launch of Fashion World and Candid. Aimed
to attract the younger, 30 - 45 section of the
market. |
| 1994 |
As
a direct response to a survey of the shape of
modern women, Classic Combination was launched
for the women aged 30 - 50, concentrating on clothes
that fit well. |
| 1995 |
Sander
& Kay was acquired and launched to attract
men to the company with an excellent range of
menswear. |
| 1996 |
Sartor
was acquired - to focus on value for money ladies'
clothing for the over 60s. |
| 1999 |
Simply
Be was launched to complement the established
younger catalogues of Fashion World and Classic
Combination by offering an affordable range of
ladieswear in larger sizes.
N Brown acquired Teleview Direct, a TV, VCR and
Audio rental business.
Zendor was launched to provide end-to-end fulfilment
services for companies wishing to enter the distance
shopping market using either traditional catalogues
or the internet. |
| 2000 |
GE
became a 25% partner in Zendor.
State-of-the-art websites for all of our major
catalogues were launched in Spring 2000. Zendor
reached agreement to provide services to its first
four clients. |
| 2001 |
N
Brown acquires a controlling interest in Eunite,
an e-convergence company and leading provider
of multi channel e-commerce solutions, furthering
Zendor’s ability to provide clients with
a complete end-to-end service solution.
Expansion of our household and electrical product
ranges, aided by the launch of the Home Essentials
and Inspirational Homes publications.
Naturally Close, a brochure containing a range
of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear was launched
in Spring 2001.
First Financial, the group’s financial services
division expanded in order to capitalise on the
significant growth potential in the personal loans
and other consumer financial services market. |
| 2002 |
Simply
Yours was launched to offer a wide range of contemporary
fashion for women in the mid life age range.
Martin House opened in Summer 2002 - state of
the art 1500 seat call centre in the heart of
Manchester.
|
| 2003 |
Parcel
delivery partnership formed with Securicor Omega
to enhance delivery performance and undertake
deliveries for third party retailers.
|
| 2004 |
The
company moved from its long-established Head
Office base at Dale Street, to a modern freehold
office environment at nearby Griffin House in
Manchester city centre.
A
joint venture with Northern & Shell Network
(owner of Express Group Newspapers) was formed
to create the Express Shopping television channel.
|
| 2005 |
House of Bath was acquired as a platform to increase sales from
the ABC1 socio-demographic groups.
|
| 2006 |
First Financial sold its personal loans portfolio and now now
concentrates on providing brokerage loan facilities together
with a complete range of financial services.
Teleview Direct, the group's direct television rental business
was sold.
The group closed its joint venture television shopping channel.
A 21-acre site in Glossop was purchased to expand the group's
warehousing capacity.
|
| 2007 |
Gray & Osbourn aquired in June 2006 to compliment our upmarket
fifty plus customer segment.
|
| 2008 |
Zendor, our fulfilment services business, was sold in December
2007.
|
