One of, if not the longest standing businessperson in Vincent Street has decided to finish up his menswear business after almost 43 years.
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Les Beveridge started his closing down sale at Beveridge's Menswear & Formal Hire on Monday and will shut the store once all stock is gone.
There was a combination of factors behind his decision to wind up.
Mr Beveridge said he started out in 1976 selling high quality workwear, corporate clothing and school uniforms, but has since struggled to compete with cheaper quality products and multi-national companies.
He said the rise of online shopping and expansion of Stockland Green Hills had also taken their toll.
The shutdown will follow the closure of other long-term Vincent Street retailers, including Mathers and End Of The Line Shoes.
"The CBD has become more of a cafe culture [than retail]," he said.
"You look at DJ's and Myer, they're not doing too well and we're the little guys in comparison with them."
I just thought it's my turn. I'm 78, so I'm no spring chicken!
- Les Beveridge
And while he still has friends and family in the area, Mr Beveridge's wife died three years ago and his children live in Canberra and the Gold Coast. He plans to visit them and travel once he retires.
"I just thought it's my turn," he said. "I'm 78, so I'm no spring chicken!"
Mr Beveridge started his career in menswear in 1957 in a store just a few doors up from his current workplace, which is now LJ Hooker.
After 19 years, the store closed and Mr Beveridge decided to establish his own business.
The 2013 Cessnock Citizen of the Year said while trends had changed over the years - "from flares and double breasted suits to everything slim fit" - he had always prided himself on offering high quality clothing.
"I think there will be a void in town when I close."
He said it was bittersweet to be finishing up after such a long time.
"I was speaking to someone the other day about it, and I became a bit emotional," he said. "I'd dressed three generations of their family.
"The customer base I've created over the years is still with me. I want to thank the loyal and dedicated customers I've had."
But he doesn't plan to go too far. Mr Beveridge, who is a bit of a wine connoisseur, said he may consider a career in the vineyards once his store closes.
"With a name like Beveridge it makes sense!"
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
