Halifax Courier, 6th April 2010
For two centuries a Halifax business has been serving its customers. And it's an anniversary to celebrate, discovers Virginia Mason.
It was the year that Napoleon's marriage to Josephine was annulled, Beethoven composed his famous piano piece Fur Elise and the first booby steamboat sailed on the Ohio River.
King George III was declared mad and adult cotton spinners staged a general strike in Manchester.
The year 1810 also was the year that the world welcomed composer, Frederic Chopin, American showman, P.T. Barnum and British novelist Elizabeth Gaskell.
Meanwhile, in Halifax, a little bit of history was also being made.
After fleeing from his native Hanover and the Franco-Prussian Napoleonic Wars, Ben Aaron opened his boot and shoemaker's business.
But no matter how dedicated he may have been, surely he could not have foreseen that 200 years later, that same business would still be trading?
And with future generations of his family still running it.
The location may have changed and the stock and fashions have undoubtedly moved with the times but one thing has remained constant - there has always been a Ben Aaron keeping customers satisfied.
Today, two centuries on, it is Paul Benjamin Aaron, the 8th generation of the Aaron family, at the helm. Paul has succeeded his father David Benjamin and Uncle Philip Benjamin. David, a leather worker, clog maker and shoe repairer, joined the business from leaving school, and retired in 2004 after working for 45 years. Philip joined his brother in 1985 and remained until 2007.
David Philip and Paul are understandably proud of the business's longevity.
"There can't be many firms still around after 200 years. It is quite an achievement," says Paul who took over in 2007 with his wife Alison.
"What makes it more remarkable is that the same name is over the door and the same family is behind it. Even if businesses do manage to survive for so long, they don't often remain within the original family."
Philip has been busy carrying out research into Aaron's history and discovered that the shop has been based at a number of spots around Halifax.
The 1945 census showed it to be at 24 Gaol Lane and there is also evidence to suggest that it operated at 4, Northgate by 1905 - not too far away from its present location at 105, Northgate, nestling alongside Halifax's historic North Bridge. The business also operated from premises in Sovereign Street and 39 Woolshops for a time too.
"A lot of the history has been handed down and is rather vague regarding the early days because prior to 1845, the business census was voluntary," explains Philip.
He also adds that the biggest change to the company has come within the last three decades with the store now stocking more clothing than in the early years - chiefly Army surplus and more recently, high quality work wear.
"New health and safety measures mean that we stock a lot of specialist safety footwear as well as hiking boots - we have lots of regulars who come back time and time again," says Paul.
A secret of a successful business is its willingness to move with the times and to constantly meet customers' needs.
"You have to listen to your customer, that's more important than anything," says Paul.
When the shop first opened its doors it would have supplied clogs to the hundreds of workers in Halifax's thriving mills - Crossley's and Mackintosh's included.
Right on cue, longstanding customer Dennis Sutcliffe walks through the door to collect a pair of boots for his regular walks with Halifax Ramblers' Club.
"I must have been coming in here for more than 50 years," he says.
These days, as well as the practical lines, B Aaron & Son have just added some new luxury ranges of quality men's footwear. They also stock some impressive-looking Wellington's including some with leather linings.
Customers come from near and far - and have been doing so for decades, comments Paul
"Our customers are literally all over the world - we have regulars in the Shetlands, the Outer Hebrides even Australia. The loyalty they show us is incredible and we are very grateful.
The question now though must be - is there another generation of Aarons waiting in the wings?
"Maybe," says Paul. We have a son aged eleven and a daughter aged seven, who come in to help during school holidays.
"So you never know."
To celebrate their 200th year in business B Aaron & Son will be taking a stall at this year's Halifax Agricultural Show to say thank you to customers old and new.
"Hopefully they'll come and enjoy a cuppa with us," says Paul.
Halifax Courier - 5th April 2010 |
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