H Routledge in Cleator Moor celebrate 70 years in business

H. Routledge was opened by Hannah Routledge on June 14, 1954, and moved to an address on the High Street in Cleator Moor in 1956 after it outgrew the original premises.

It has remained there ever since.

Hannah worked for Frank Fowles but decided to leave and start her own business. She lived upstairs with her husband, Rueben, and later welcomed their children while living there.

When the adjacent pawn brokers became available, Routledge's acquired the business and Rueben left the electric company he worked for and started selling men's clothing in there.

Hannah and Rueben on their wedding day (Image: Supplied)

Hannah was 93 when she passed away. She was still a familiar face in the shop at 90 and was always up for a chat with the customers.

Lynn, Hannah's daughter, inherited the shop afterwards and continues to run the store. The men's clothing side was left empty and the window front was dressed. However, around six years ago, Lynn opened it as a gift shop.

H. Routledge is now a gift and ladies' clothing store.

Hannah in her younger days (Image: Supplied)

The business will celebrate its 70th anniversary on June 14, and Lynn is marking the occasion with bubbly for customers, and those who spend over £20 will receive a box of chocolates.

Lynn spoke about the evolution of the business. She said: "We have lots of loyal customers who were shopping here at 16/17, and they are in their 80s still coming in.

"I have people coming from Workington, Cockermouth and more.

"I have been in here since I was little. I remember having my birthday parties here and it's just changed so much since mam's time... she used to sell hats and suits and this is all different now.

"I have stuff for elderly people but we also try to cater for young people. Everything has changed so much in Cleator Moor, from a vibrant town where you could get everything you needed, to now I am one of the last remaining shops."

Lynn inside the store (Image: Supplied)

Lynn spoke about her mother's influence. She said: "Mam was always a very clever business woman and I am so proud of her, she set up on her own.

"I am amazed at what she has done for a quiet person... she had a good business head."

Fashion has changed over the last 70 years. Lynn spoke about what she has noted, observing: "I have seen a lot come back into fashion. Everyone loves crochet again now! Leggings were all in when I was 17, and they are coming back.

"Things go in cycles. There is no one type of fashion now, things change so much."

The shop back in the day! (Image: Supplied)

"We still have the same old-fashioned drawers. Customers are amazed by what we still have. They are the same ones you could see on the show 'Are You Being Served?'

"That’s our unique selling point, we look old fashioned and quaint."