Well-known Wick retailer to retire
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AN era will come to an end next month when Doreen Turner leaves the shop she has run in Wick for the past 33 years.
Her retiral from T. Turner & Son in High Street will sever a family link with the local retail trade that stretches back over 100 years.
But Doreen is hopeful that the shop, better known as Turner’s, will continue to operate. "My dream wish would be for someone to take it over. There is some interest on that front, but we will just have to wait and see what happens," she told the John O’Groat Journal this week.
Doreen admitted that she will have mixed emotions when she leaves the shop, and will miss her customers, but said the time is right for her to go.
"I feel that now I have my bus pass, and after 33 years in the shop, I am ready to retire," she said.
Doreen worked at Wick Medical Centre before joining the family firm, which was started by her husband Alan’s grandfather, Thomas – a tailor who came to Wick from Edinburgh in 1907.
"I joined the business in 1979 and received an excellent training from my mother-in-law, Margaret Turner, and that set me up for the next 33 years. I have certainly enjoyed supplying my valued customers with their everyday ladies’ clothing," said Doreen, who has seen many changes over the past three decades.
"I remember when you could buy a pair of tights for 79p. Nowadays, they would cost between £2.99 and £4. Specialised knitwear items have doubled in price over that time, and some jumpers which would have sold for about £12.50 would now retail for £25."
Doreen has also seen quite a difference in skirt lengths and trouser widths over the years, and has witnessed some fashions returning for a third time.
The changes have also extended to her customers. "I may be serving someone in the shop and realise that I also served their mothers, but my mother-in-law probably served their grandmothers," she said.
Other changes she experienced include the pedestrian-priority scheme in High Street. "That was a big mistake in my opinion, but we had to accept it and get on with it," she said.
"More recently, we have seen retail outlets on the outskirts of the town. It is a pity that they could not have been housed near the town centre, but again we have to accept these changes.
"I never thought of myself as having a niche business, but over the years people from outwith the county and the islands have contacted the shop for garments they cannot access in their own communities."
Doreen explained that the business started 105 years ago, when Alan’s grandfather moved to Wick.
Alan’s father, Ramsay, also a tailor, took over the business when he returned from the Second World War.
"He continued the gents’ tailoring business until his sudden death in 1961, when his wife, Margaret, made the decision to keep trading, but changed the merchandise to ladies’ wear," said Doreen.
She pointed out the business was originally based in High Street, but then moved to Bridge Street before moving back to High Street in June, 1979. At that time the firm was at 94 High Street and had five staff, but for the past 15 years its home has been at 106 High Street.
Doreen had a plate made to commemorate the move from Bridge Street to High Street 33 years ago. It was then that assistant Yvonne McKenzie joined the firm, but she is also to retire.
"She has been an invaluable member of staff and has helped me run the business successfully. Catherine MacAulay and Joan Henderson have always been ready to assist in times of need.
"Reliable and trustworthy staff are so important. I would like to emphasise my gratitude to my family, staff, customers and suppliers for making my years in Turner’s so memorable," said Doreen.
Although she will be leaving the shop, she intends to continue playing a part in the local community. She was a justice of the peace for about 10 years, has served on the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council for 14 years and is stay on in that role.
"I am passionate about Wick and its town centre, and will soon have more time to commit to my voluntary work on the flower baskets and Christmas lights committees which all help to keep the town centre alive," she added.
