After six decades of providing quality shoes and clothing, a beloved family business in St. Thomas, Ont., is preparing to close its doors, attributing the decision to the growth of online shopping.
Mugford’s Shoes & Clothing, which once operated eight retail locations in the London area, will close its last store at the end of August.
The shop located at 429 Talbot St. is ending as big-box retailers and e-commerce continue to dominate. However, co-owners emphasize that their success came from personal service, tailored fittings by skilled staff members, and a keen awareness of current fashion trends.
The business was founded in 1965 by Donald Mugford, who passed away eight years ago at age 81, along with his wife Merle. Over time, they expanded into stores on Richmond Row in London-one of which closed in 2020-and another in Westmount Mall that shut down earlier this year.
This week, visited Mugford’s as Donald’s and Merle’s daughters, Patti and Jodi, worked on selling off the remaining inventory. Both have fond memories of spending time in the store while growing up.
“We have been thinking about it for a while,” Patti said regarding their closure decision. “COVID really impacted us and other retailers too, plus we’re getting older. We want to pursue different interests now since retail has changed so much.”
This change includes a notable shift towards online shopping that’s affected all businesses large and small.
“We’re old school,” said Patti. “We still measure your feet. People come in; they sit down; they want us to help them try on shoes. That’s our approach – that’s where we started.”
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Patti Mugford, left, and her sister Jodi in front of 429 Talbot St., which is now for sale. (Kate Adach/ )
The shoe store felt like home for the sisters during their childhoods.
“We were always around the store; I’ve been answering phones here since I was about eleven years old,” said Patti.
“And we’d frequently come up after school.” Patti shared how disheartening it’s been lately trying to assist customers only for them to ultimately make purchases online instead. “They try on shoes that fit perfectly; they say they’ll think about it but then take a picture and buy them online instead. It’s happened so many times.” Patti noted that her parents dedicated themselves fully to running the shop.
They traveled overseas for buying trips to ensure they had trendy items available and even created their own product lines. “He would design shoes always thinking about who he was buying for,” Patti recalled about her father Donald.
“I’m sure there are people around London and St. Thomas with shoes labeled ‘Donald Mugford’ still in their closets.”![]()
Donald Mugford Shoes opened at 429 Talbot St. in 1965. (Kate Adach/ )
Even though their business is closing down,
Patti feels optimistic about what’s ahead for St. Thomas,
especially with plans underway for an electric vehicle battery plant set to open within two years. The family still owns the building which is currently listed for sale.
Patti sees this as an opportunity for another family
to step in and create new traditions. “I think St. Thomas is going to thrive,” she mentioned.
“There are plenty of young families here now.
We’d love someone new taking over the store because there will always be demand for it.”
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“And we’d frequently come up after school.” Patti shared how disheartening it’s been lately trying to assist customers only for them to ultimately make purchases online instead. “They try on shoes that fit perfectly; they say they’ll think about it but then take a picture and buy them online instead. It’s happened so many times.” Patti noted that her parents dedicated themselves fully to running the shop.
They traveled overseas for buying trips to ensure they had trendy items available and even created their own product lines. “He would design shoes always thinking about who he was buying for,” Patti recalled about her father Donald.
“I’m sure there are people around London and St. Thomas with shoes labeled ‘Donald Mugford’ still in their closets.”
Patti feels optimistic about what’s ahead for St. Thomas,
especially with plans underway for an electric vehicle battery plant set to open within two years. The family still owns the building which is currently listed for sale.
Patti sees this as an opportunity for another family
to step in and create new traditions. “I think St. Thomas is going to thrive,” she mentioned.
“There are plenty of young families here now.
We’d love someone new taking over the store because there will always be demand for it.”
Source link
