UK 's biggest cutlery shop celebrates 40 years in business
The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month.
The cutlery firm first opened in April 1982 when the headquarters moved from Birmingham to be closer to its factory in Sheffield.
The shop on Britannia Way, Lichfield is the biggest of its type in the country and is a haven for cutlery bargain hunters welcoming people from across the UK and beyond.
Bev Shepherd has been the shop manager for 14 years. She said: “I 've sold everything from a single teaspoon to expensive silver canteens normally housed in our Harrods store. I 've served people in the car park outside because they were in a rush and didn 't have time to come in. And more recently, I 've a Japanese lady who pops in every month and who sells our cutlery via a mobile phone video link to her home country. ”
In 1982 Chariots of Fire notably won Best Picture at The Oscars and Italy beat West Germany in the World Cup Final, as well as also being the year that CEO Simon Price started his journey in the warehouse.
He said: “1982 is important for me, it 's the year I started my apprenticeship. I spent many days working behind the Factory Shop counter learning about the business by serving customers, many of whom were visiting the Factory Shop for the first time. Fast forward forty years and I 'm so proud that we are still serving and with technology, even to the other side of the World.
“It has been a tough couple of years, but we 've adapted and even grown in some areas. Our online sales have rocketed but nothing beats for many, especially after so many restrictions, the enjoyment of browsing and finding something special.
“And I am fortunate to have two things at the Factory Shop. A great team who knows every inch of Arthur Price but most importantly a desire to deliver the best service. I 'd like to put on record my thanks to all the team for their hard work and dedication as we celebrate simply the first forty years�with many more to come. ”