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Price was right for all walks of life

29/11/2006

FOR decades it kitted out Rochdalians of all ages, shapes and sizes for every occasion - and for a good price, too.

Whether it was a suit or dress for that big dance or party or working clothes for the factory, mill or office, Rochdale Economy Stores in Drake Street was the place to go.

It was a Mr Hill, who had run a pawnbroker's shop in Whitworth Road, who started the business.

He opened a shop in St Mary's Gate in 1905 and soon after set up a second branch in Drake Street.

The business prospered and was responsible for clothing countless people throughout the town.

In 1946 Mr Hill's son, Arthur, joined him in the business.

When Arthur took over in the 1950s he expanded with branches set up in Oldham, Heywood, Farnworth and Bury. He even opened a third shop in Rochdale, in Cheetham Street.

Sadly the business was unable to maintain its large popularity and struggled to hold off the remorseless march of the supermarket.

Gradually all the branches closed down until only the Drake Street premises remained.

Part of that was taken over by a business machine company in 1986 and Arthur changed the name of the business to Hill's Stores.

It was a practical move, as he explained: "It fitted the reduced frontage."

Finally, in April 1991 that was about to go, too, with Arthur Hill holding a retirement sale.

He said: "Drake Street used to be the main shopping area in Rochdale, but now it is a shadow of its former self.

"I saw the way things were going and I never encouraged my own family to come into the business."

With that he closed the door one one of Rochdale's most popular family stores.

The shop is now occupied by Jim McNicholas Carpet Bargains.