"I heard it on the grapevine"
 

so dont know if true ...

that JEAN SUTCLIFFE's posh dress shop on Abbey Street is closing and it may move to join up with MAUREEN COOKSON's in Whalley.

Sad if true, its been a part of Accrington for many years (and it would also mean ANOTHER empty shop!)

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

I think a lot of people would be sorry to see such a high class shop go....given the many threads talking about cheap pound shops.
Last April I had my annual group of retired farmer's visiting our place from England, when I introduced myself as their guide and translator and said i was from Accrington, a lovely lady from Cheshire (a Farmer's wife) spoke up saying she came to Accrington epecially to change her wardrobe at least twice a year at Jean Sutcliffes!

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

It's on Abbey St, it won't be empty for long, I'm sure the ever expanding chain store will find a use for it :rolleyes:

Also heard the Quick Return shop near the Jobcentre is closing next week.

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

Good god what will my ex wife do now:eek::eek:

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

Have being told that she's retiring in December, and her daughter does not want to take the shop over. So she has no option but to close up.

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

I would have though the business would have been worth selling, especially with such a well known name, the name alone would be worth thousands

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

That would explain the closure rumours then.
Sad her daughter doesnt wish to continue, as it should "be in her blood". I believe Jean's maiden name was Cheetham, and her Dad has a plumbers on Nuttall St (guessing around the 1960's period)

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

She is the business.

Would people travel from all over the northwest, if someone else bought the business, and traded under her name?

Doubtful, in my opinion, unless they were as good at buying as she is, and provided the same level of service.

It will be very sad for the town if it closes.

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

apparently her daughter lives down south, so presumably doesn't want to move back up here.

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

Have noticed she has a web site with an on-line shop, so am wondering if she will concentrate on that when she retires. .

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

It's a far bigger buisness than a lot of people think, will find a photo

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

Is it Gene or Jean ?

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

It's Gene. Sad to see it go, one of the last reminders from an earlier era when Accrington was still a quality shopping centre. Unfortunately, I think Dave's prediction will prove accurate. :(

Re: "I heard it on the grapevine"
 

My wife tells me Gene Sutcliffe was a man who died a while back.