Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Dicksons Home Hardware of Wadebridge is the inaugural recipient of The John Fewings Award.
The retailer was given the accolade during Home Hardware’s annual Convention at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel in Devon on November 16.
In memory of John Fewings, who was involved in Home Hardware for nearly 50 years and chairman for 33 years, Home Hardware presented the Award in his honour. The Award recognises exceptional commitment to Home Hardware.
David Adams, chairman of Home Hardware, said: “Dicksons Home Hardware is an exceptional business that maximises the limited space available through clever use of fixtures and merchandising.
“The store regularly achieved the highest ranked sales per square foot in our annual corporate members’ survey and virtually all its purchasing is through Home Hardware. A keen and active supporter of our corporate marketing programme, its commitment and loyalty to Home Hardware is of the highest level. I have no doubt John would have wholeheartedly endorsed this award to such a deserving member.”
Phil Dickson, owner of Dicksons Home Hardware, commented: “We are delighted. To receive the John Fewings Award in front of a packed room of so many committed members made us feel very humbled. Walking up to collect the award with my father was a very proud moment. He first saw the advantage of being a member of a dealer-owned hardware wholesaler as far back as 1957. In the coming weeks, the trophy will be on show in a prominent part of the shop for all our loyal customers to see.”
Dicksons was founded by Charles Dickson in 1928 as a woodworker’s supply shop, supplying tools, timber, glass and general hardware to customers in Manchester. His son Joe joined the business in 1952. At the time all the buying was done through wholesalers and by cash and carries in the Manchester area.
In 1957 Dicksons joined the newly founded dealer-owned wholesaler British Hardware and Tools, located in Bolton. In 1959 Charles and Joe formed a partnership.
In 1977 Dicksons was one of the first shops to incorporate the Home Hardware logo in its shop front signage, also taking on Home Hardware uniforms and stationery to further promote the brand.
In 1980 Joe’s son Phil joined the business. Unfortunately, in 1981 the shop was burned down in riots. The decision was made to relocate to Cornwall, where a suitable store was found in Wadebridge. Dicksons immediately joined Home Hardware to help restock the new shop, starting a 38-year association. In the intervening years Phil replaced his grandad Charles in the partnership.
In 2012 Joe retired and was replaced by his daughter Pam. The business continues to be run by Phil, his wife Karen and Phil’s sister Pam.
L-R: Karen Dickson, Phil Dickson, Joe Dickson, David Adams
Front row: Joyce Dickson
