Update
Our 150th Anniversary
This is our big year!
5 Generations over one and a half centuries. Here is how we are celebrating our 150th.
7 May 2024
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Established in 1874, Majors is the oldest retailer in Shrewsbury. Becoming part of the fabric of Shropshire with its existence spanning 150 years, through two World Wars and six monarchs. Majors has remained in a direct family line for five generations.
Starting as a hat shop, then a tailors making officers uniforms during the World Wars, to now selling high quality casual clothing for men and women in Shropshire.
Majors’ continuing success can be put down to its exceptional quality of clothing combined with excellent customer service from its friendly sales team.
What is remarkable about Majors is that the business has remained in a direct family line for five generations since. With each generation came its own unique historical challenges. Recently, we have had the opportunity to look back and uncover the company’s past, finding old photos and information about each of the five Majors.
William Major was born in the old Greyhound public house in Dorrington, moved to Shrewsbury at the age of 22 before setting up the business a year later in 1874.
Originally selling top hats, bowlers, and caps due to their popularity at the time.
The business prospered and William expanded into selling menswear. A bespoke tailoring department was installed on the upper floors where Mr Jones, a brilliant cutter, and his team produced suits of the highest quality, including the Mayoral robes.
William Major had three sons Leonard, Frederick and Arthur. Upon William’s death in 1918 his sons Frederick and Leonard (the latter returning from the Great War), inherited the business.
They enlarged the premises, installing a ladies and boys department, supplying Shrewsbury School with their school uniform.
Majors had concentrated largely on tailoring and during the two World Wars made officers uniforms and trench coats worn by footmen in trenches across Europe.
On the death of Leonard in 1945 Frederick continued the business until William (Bill) Major, returned from a Japanese Prison of War camp in Burma.
Bill learnt of his father’s death while returning from War. His time as a Prisoner of War had a heavy toll on him.
He moved the company to our current premises on 10/11 Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, in 1962. Soon after began moving into the world of contemporary fashion.
Bill expanded the business to include ladies wear and opened a ladies shop in The Square, Shrewsbury and branches in Oswestry, Welshpool, and Chester.
Growing up in Shrewsbury as an avid sportsman, Richard took over the business at the young age of 24 in 1976 on the death of his father Bill. He continued to move the business forward by acquiring Parker Taylor of Bridgnorth in 2000 and closing the Chester branch.
Richard was well known in Shropshire’s social circles. He was flamboyant, ebullient, enthusiastic about life but always a gentleman, a friend, a devoted father and husband.
Richard passed away in 2016. He is hugely missed by us all.
Richard’s son, Douglas, was only 18 when his father passed away. Douglas has pursued a career in architecture, and is taking time to return to Shrewsbury to utilise his skill in design to bring Majors back to its former glory.
Working with his mother, Rose, who oversees the women’s clothing department, Douglas is bringing Majors over the monumental 150 year mark.
We are hugely appreciative of our amazing colleagues and loyal customers for all their support over the years, through a pandemic and uncertain times. We are excited to see what the future has in store for Majors.
Thank you.
Parker Taylor has a routed history in Bridgnorth. Founded in 1984 by Mr J. Parker and Mr H. W. Taylor. Previously the two of them ran their own clothing stores around Bridgnorth. Mr Parker and Mr Taylor joined forces to serve quality clothes to the gentlemen of Bridgnorth for nearly 20 years.
Becoming part of the Majors family in 2003. Established in 1874, its existence spanning 150 years, through two World Wars and six monarchs.
Follow the link below for an in depth look at Parker Taylors history.
This is our big year!
5 Generations over one and a half centuries. Here is how we are celebrating our 150th.
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