NAME: Dancers Limited

ADDRESS: Central Buildings, Peckingham Street, Halesowen

TELEPHONE: 0121 550 1237

EMAIL: dancersltd@gmail.com

WEBSITE: www.dancersltd.co.uk

SOCIAL Media: Facebook @Dancers of Halesowen / @Dancers Mens Suit Hire / @Dancers Uniformwear - Instagram @dancers_suit_hire_halesowen/ @dancers_giftsandcraftybits

Who are you? We are a family run business in Halesowen Town centre.

When did you open & why? The business was founded by John Dancer in 1880, trading as a supplier of ‘Boots and Shoes’. In May 1884 John and his wife Sarah moved to Halesowen, where he continued to be a part of the local community, building his business on “Good Understandings”.

Tell us about your business Over the years, Dancers has expanded and developed, selling clothing and accessories for ladies and gentlemen, as well as haberdashery and school uniforms, and developed one of the largest collections of suits and accessories to hire in our area.

Who works there? The shop is very much a family business. Mike Dancer is the owner who is assisted by his sister Janet, and his son Dave. Other family members still play their part and are complemented by long serving members of staff .

Who are your customers? We have a good mixture of generations that visit our shop, from parents bringing their children to be fitted for their school uniforms, couples choosing suits etc for their wedding, and simply customers who have become friends having visited the shop for many years.

What’s your most memorable/proudest moment in business? I think that the proudest thing that we can say is that this year we will have been open for 140 years, and still within the family.

Have you had any strange/quirky suggestions or stories from customers? We once suited a dog up for a wedding party.

What are your ambitions for the future? In recent years Halesowen has developed into a Business Improvement District (BID) in which we are playing our part, working very closely with the Town Centre Manager and other local businesses to develop a stronger community not just for the town centre, but for the wider community.

How are you coping with the Covid pandemic? We have an appointment system for schoolwear which can be booked online, we have screens up at every counter, one way system, hand sanitisers at every entry point, staff wearing masks and we have limited the number of people in the shop.

  • The Halesowen News has launched its Love Local Business campaign to support local businesses as they emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Any business which wants to be featured in the News Group campaign, call 01905742372 or email dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk.