Family business ceases trading after 23 years

The Big Boys Shop, family cease trading after 23 years

The latest retail casualty took place yesterday as local independent retailer Big Boyswear (2 February) in Castleton closed its doors for the last time.

Michael and Carol Faust, together with their daughter Michelle, have been supplying quality clothing for larger men since 1989 when they opened The Family Store in Marland Mill on Nixon Street.

Later the company moved to new premises on Manchester Road where they traded successfully as ‘Big Menswear’ until three years ago when Michael and Carol retired and Michelle started up across the road and changed its name to 'The Big Boys Shop'.

Michael told us that he had started in the ‘rag trade’ at age eight brushing down suits in his father’s business in Leigh. A very warm and generous man, who is a lifelong City supporter, Michael blamed a downturn in retail sales because of the economic recession.

When I visited the shop, the human tragedy became apparent as all three members of the family showed clear signs of stress. Michael and Carol have suffered significant health issues for years but came in to support their daughter as they sold of their remaining stock.

This reporter, having been a customer for all 23 years knows only too well how hard the family has worked to build up their business. Shopping at any of their businesses was a joy rather than a chore. Michael, perhaps betraying his Jewish roots was a real ‘schmoozer’ and could sell ice-cream to the Eskimos. Although never a pushy salesman, it was a rare thing indeed when I nipped in to buy a shirt for work and failed to come out with two bags full of clothes... usually with a free tie or a pair of boxers thrown in as a goodwill gesture.

A few years ago, I bought my first ever leather coat there. It cost me over £200 but I adored it... right up to the moment it was stolen from my car two weeks afterwards. When I called into the shop a few weeks later, I was telling Carol about the loss of my coat.

After taking pity on me and making me swear not to tell Michael, she sold me an identical coat for half price! (Sorry Carol, your secret’s out now!)

It was also announced last week that The Works in the Wheatsheaf Centre which sells books and arts and crafts materials is also to close for good.