J. E. Millett and Co

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1969 Report

More than half a century ago Milletts was just a small haberdashery in Leicester run by Jessie, Eva and Florence Millett and their brother Denis. After the 1914-1918 war, Mr. Michael Millett, husband of Florence Millett joined J. E. Millett & Co. as a partner in the haberdashery business.

It was in 1920 that the first change took place, Mr. Michael and Mr. Denis Millett switched from haberdashery to government surplus goods. More shops followed, opening in Sheffield, in Dundee and in other towns across the North and Midlands. By 1928, the year in which it went public, the group had premises in 40 centres. Then came the slump and with it 13 or more stores closed.

The group stabilised by 1937 with 27 shops. During the war government surplus goods were still released. Moreover, from the point-of-view of the hard-pressed public, such goods had thr advantage of carrying no purchase tax and needed no ration coupons. As a result, a supply of mattresses to the Birmingham store one war-time day brought a queue of 1,000 to the door. But in Manchester and Coventry the shops were bombed.

Milletts emerged from the war with 25 shops and since then has maintained a gradual and steady growth. The Millett family is still very actively involved in the business. In January 1966, Anthony Millett, son of Mr. Denis Millett, became chairman and managing director of the company. On taking over control, 33-years-old Anthony Millett launched a full-scale programme of modernisation, aimed at bringing his stores right up to the minute and expanding the company at the same time. Newest Milletts venture - and a roaring success - is its "Carnaby House." the company's mail order division. Established in 1968 to mark a range of teenage and fashion clothing. To overcome the problem of selling large frame tents in already crowded stores, Anthony Millett launched "Canvas City" - a travelling camping exhibition designed to promote Milletts' range of tents and equipment.

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