OBITUARY - George Gummers, Independent Footwear Retailer: F. Dickinson, Ulverston, Cumbria - Born 1935 – Died 2011
Published: 14 December, 2011
George Gummers, BSc. Hons London University, qualified as a leather chemist and spent the first part of his adult life working as a leather tanner. Before many years had passed, he became Managing Director of Millom Leathers, Cumbria. When manufacturing collapsed in the late 1970s George decided to open a shoe shop, as he felt his knowledge of leather and his obvious contacts in the trade would provide a good basis for a business. He opened Footlight in Millom in 1979. Two years later, in 1981, he took over the footwear retai1ers F.Dickinson in the centuries-old Cumbrian town of Ulverston, when the owners were retiring.
George went on to buy Riggs in Barrow in Barrow in 1983, and in 1987 he bought a shop opposite so that he could split the Children’s footwear section from the Adults, as he felt the Adults trade was suffering having children dominating the store, particularly at the week-end and during the School holidays.
He sold the original Riggs building at the end of 1987, and moved to the shop opposite, having the Adults section downstairs and Children's upstairs. He traded from here until 2009 when he closed the Riggs part of the business and sold it to Winfield, who is trading in his own name.
George Gummers had the ability to see a business opportunity and, according to those who knew him well, he drove a hard bargain. But, but once a deal was made he would stand by it, come what may. According to his son David, he was saddened that in recent years everything had to be put in writing, as he felt it was unnecessary as a man’s word is his bond.
He is probably most remembered for shaking up the shoe trade up in the late 1980’s with his view on brands margins. He held the view it was not for suppliers to recommend prices, it was for retailers to make that decision. George believed that no business could operate with a margin of less than 2.35 on cost (with VAT the figure would be at least 2.6 these days). His speech at IFRA back then certainly concentrated minds. It is interesting to note the independents that are still trading are the ones that heeded this warning
George garnered huge loyalty from his staff, many worked with him for over 10 years with one employee working for 22 years. He died on the 29th November, six months after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and continued working until mid-September. He was still asking his son David how business was on the day he died!
As for the future, F .Dickinson will naturally carry on, as David was well trained, first by Clinkards and then by his father. Having been Managing Director for the last 15 years or so, with his mother as Company Secretary, he does not envisage huge changes, as the formula seems to work: “ Good quality shoes with friendly service. “
David told Footwear Today Editor, Cheryl Taylor: “My father instilled good old-fashioned values of integrity, honesty and always be true to yourself. “
George Gummers will be sadly missed by his family, his loyal staff and customers, and by his many friends and associates in the shoe trade.
