End of an era as Waysiders set to close down after 70 years

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ANOTHER of Warrington’s long established family businesses – the Waysiders on Horsemarket Street, is calling time on trading in the town centre.
Just weeks after Whites Sports announced the end of 113 years trading in the town, Martin Hales, a second generation owner of the Waysiders, which was established 70 years ago by his father John and Uncle Tony, has decided it is time to retire, aged 61.
“It was a tough decision and I am sure I will shed a few tears when we close for the last time,” said Martin.
“There have been a lot of changes in Warrington and a lot not for the better. People no longer want quality goods as we now live in a throw away culture – and I am not prepared to go down that route.
“But I have many happy memories and wouldn’t change anything.”
Martin, who lives in Grappenhall, with his wife Morag and two daughters Francesca and Georgina, now in their 20s, joined the family business in his late teens, at a time when he excelled at tennis, turning down the chance of a professional career aftercompeting at Junior Wimbledon.
The business, which Martin runs assisted by his sister Cathy, was originally situated near the old market but during the regeneration of the town centre in the 1970s reloacted to the former Timothy Whites store on Horsemarket Street.
The shop was hugely popular with the GIs based at Burtonwood airbase and still occasionally attracts visitors from the States who are taking a trip down memory lane.
The business has specialised in glassware and china goods, stocking many of the high end brands.
As well as a change in peoples shopping habits Martin says out of town shopping areas like Gemini had impacted heavily on town centre trade.
“If the council looked at cheaper rent and rates there would still be the opportunity for private individuals to give it a go,” he added.
Meanwhile the Waysiders now looks set to become a new home for town centre Italian Restaurant Cafe Caruso, which is looking to relocate from Time Square this summer.


Martin (right) an dhis father John (left) welcome a elephant to the town centre!


The Waysiders original shop opposite the old market


The Waysiders when it relocated to the Timothy Whites store.


Video interview with Martin Hales


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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