1. The store welcomed its first customers in 1863
Hewitts first opened its doors as a men’s outfitter and tailor in Church Road in 1863, led by Charles George Hewitt, the great-great grandfather of the store’s current managing director Martin Hewitt! Within 3 years of trading the store had established itself in the local community and moved to the nearby Church Street, where it remains today.
2. Hewitts has a strong claim to be the oldest Scout shop in the world
In 1908, Hewitts was approached by the Boy Scouts Association to supply uniforms and equipment to members in the Croydon district. Over a century later this partnership still holds strong, with the store supplying uniforms and accessories for Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows groups.
3. Hewitts supplied Croydon’s first state school uniform
Hewitts’ history with schoolwear began in 1914 after being approached by the headmaster of Ashburton School for Boys (now Oasis Academy Shirley), who sought for the store to sell Scout garments to his students. This partnership marked the first introduction of uniforms into any state school in the Croydon area. Today, Hewitts supplies uniforms for over 80 schools across Croydon and surrounding areas!
4. Hewitts opened multiple stores beyond Croydon
Between 1904 and 1970, Hewitts expanded with several focused stores in and around London, with locations including Wimbledon, Mitcham and Welling. While these stores eventually closed, the original Croydon location continued to thrive, expanding across two floors with the purchase of 51 Church Street in the 1970s.
5. A fire forced the Church Street store to rebuild
Just three years shy of celebrating 100 years of trade, in 1960 the Church Street store was largely destroyed by a fire. However, within just two weeks the business managed to get back up and running – representing the resilience that continues to drive the store forward today.
Whether you’re making that last-minute back to school shop or on the hunt for new sportswear or workwear, the friendly team at Hewitts of Croydon are always on-hand to help. Discover why they’ve been trusted for generations by popping in at 45-51 Church Street, Croydon, today.
Information as per Hewitts of Croydon.
