BUSINESS owner, Ernie Clothier, is celebrating 50 years of trade at his shop, Moore & Sons, on Christchurch Street West.
Ernie and his wife Mary took over the agricultural and horticultural merchants in 1969 on 17th February. “The business was already trading when we took over,” explained Ernie, “a father and three sons owned it.”
For 47 years, Ernie and Mary ran the business together, juggling life as parents to their two daughters, Tracey and Karen. In May 2016, Ernie’s wife Mary died, and he has continued in the shop with occasional support from his daughter Tracey.
“The place is not the same without Mary,” said Ernie. “Mary and I were engaged when we first took over. We had to wait a couple of years before we got married because it was so busy. In the early years we often had people queuing down the street to get in. My daughters Tracey and Karen were practically reared in the office – it was full on.”
Reflecting on 50 years in business Ernie, who is now 73 years old, joked, “I’m a bit tired! Seriously though, Mary and I used to talk about retiring, but we never finished the conversation. But at the moment I’ve no plans to retire, but it is heavy work – so I might start thinking about winding down.”
Over the past five decades, Ernie has watched industries come and go in Frome. “There used to be loads in Frome,” said Ernie. “Many merchants you could buy from have also disappeared. But methods of farming have changed too.
“The retail trade in general is taking a hiding at the moment, things aren’t easy. But if you are keen and stand your ground it is possible to be successful – we have survived and are still earning money.
“We always give good service here at Moore & Sons, I’d never shut the door on a customer – we have a good name in the town. I think people appreciate the continuity, that we have been here for 50 years. We have very loyal customers.Thank you to all the customers, past and present, for their support.”
