A leading Southend store which has been looking after the needs of Essex gentlemen since 1897 is branching out to develop its feminine side with an £85,000 expansion.
Ravens in Clifftown started to experiment with ladies wear in 2002 and the move has been so successful that the company is more than doubling its women's department.
Neil Raven, fourth generation member of the family to own and run the store, said: "The womens wear department was set up by my wife Marian in 2002, and has been a particularly big hit. The clothes sell really well, which is why we really need more floor space for this section."
However, Neil promised that the traditional appearance of the store, which includes an original Festival of Britain era staircase, will not be abandoned.
He said: "We are deliberately keeping the same traditional feel and style of the shop, as we know our customers appreciate it the way it is now and won't want it to change too much. That's one reason why we're keeping the oak wood and the stairs. Another is that they're strong and sturdy."
New features of the interior will include a state of the art lighting system designed to accurately reflect the colour and texture of the clothes on display. The floors will be laid in a cream base stone.
The store will remain open throughout the work.
Published Tuesday February 22, 2005
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