One of Ashton’s best-known retailers which began trading during the dark days of the Second World War was celebrating its latest milestone.
One of Ashton’s best-known retailers which began trading during the dark days of the Second World War was celebrating its latest milestone.
November 1976 would see jewellers W.J. Dando open their fourth outlet in the town at 61-63 Old Street – the latest chapter in the story of a successful business that few would have predicted 30 years previously.
Back in 1944, the founders William and Mary Dando took a huge leap of faith in the future. While the tide had begun to turn in the Allies’ favour the war was not yet won and several years of austerity lay ahead.
Against all odds, with typical Ashtonian grit and good humour, the couple set about building a cast-iron reputation for service, reliability and good old-fashioned, honest trading.
By the early 1960s the original premises on Penny Meadow had doubled in size. In 1968, Dando’s opened their second branch in the Market Hall, followed four years later by shop number three in Market Avenue
