Hancock and Wood celebrates 110 years since opening its doors

Hancock and Wood first opened its doors in 1914 and is ingrained within the history of this town.

A family business, the store was the creation of Frederick Hancock back in the early 1900’s and was passed down to his family members through the decades.

The Bridge Street store is now owned by Fredericks great granddaughter Susie Hancock, and her father Michael and uncle Christopher.

Susie spoke to the Warrington Guardian ahead of the stores 110th anniversary since opening, to reveal how the independent women’s clothing store has overcome hurdles that so many other major chains have crumbled to in recent years.

The front of the store back in the 1980s (Image: Hancock and Wood)
 The 39-year-old said: “We have had to evolve over the years, over the last ten years especially.

“Through lockdown we were forced to think outside the box, so we started an online business as well.

“We have kept evolving and we have stood the test of time.”

Susie, being the fourth generation to have run the department store, reminisced on the days of her own youth when she would wander the shop floors.

“I used to work here when I was younger, and I would come in and help when I was little. I have two sons, Billie, 11, and Henry, 9, who now come in and help too.”

 The mum-of-two said that over the years residents have been loyal to the shop and stated there is a ‘level of trust’ and ‘service’ that Hancock’s provides that is not available anywhere else.

Hancock and Wood originally occupied the left hand side of the building but with the businesses success the store expanded - pictured in early 1920s (Image: Hancock and Wood)
Having grown its offering in its many years, the shop now has a popular 'traditional' café  inside, as well as its range of women’s clothing and accessories.

And its online store Niche Online is also thriving, Susie disclosed.

However, she highlighted that what stands out above the rest is the kind and attentive staff who frequent the shop floors each day and provide a 'lovely' service to its customers.

As a nod to the history the store holds and the memories it brings to so many Warrington residents, Hancock and Wood is making a special appeal on its Facebook page this week to hear of the many stories from residents about the store throughout the years.

“We have many people who speak of memories of meeting their first love in the store and similar stories and we want to hear about all those in the lead up to the anniversary,” Susie said.

A picture captured from when Queen Elizabeth II visited Bridge Street in 1968 (Image: Hancock and Wood)

Speaking on the major milestone for the business, she added: “We are very proud, and I am very proud to take on the family business.

"I hope my great grandfather would be proud the business is still going to this day and has evolved how it has and has stood the test of time.”

To celebrate the 110th anniversary, next Thursday the shop will provide a 10 per cent discount to items throughout the store and five £110 vouchers will be up for grabs for customers – this will continue through until June 1.

Lastly, some nostalgic pictures have been provided by the Hancock family of the department store from over the decades including one iconic picture from when the late Queen visited Warrington back in 1968.

If you have any fond memories of Hancock and Wood over the years, please get in touch and send in your stories to jessica.barnes@newsquest.co.uk