Future secured for stationery and arts and crafts retailer
A fine writing, stationery and arts and crafts store which has been a fixture in Harrogate town centre for 118 years has been taken over by new owners.
Jespers has passed through four generations of the local Jesper family. Now, its latest owners are set to take the firm into a new era after the family announced their retirement from the business in April.
The Oxford Street store has been bought by the Yorkshire-based Morris and Vickers families who themselves have owned businesses in a variety of sectors including stationery and office supplies.
Morgan Morris said: “I’ve lived in Harrogate for about 14 years and have shopped in Jespers many times, so I’m delighted to be able to ensure its future.
“Our aim is to keep doing what Jespers have been doing so well for decades. We’re hoping to continue to appeal to their loyal customer base by retaining all the current ranges of fine writing, stationery, gifts, arts and crafts.
“At the same time, we’ll be introducing different products to reach new customers as well, particularly a younger audience and people looking for high-quality gifts.”
Former managing director Peter Jesper will return to the business on a part-time basis as he takes on a consultancy role focused on his fine writing specialism and extensive knowledge of luxury stationery brands.
The jobs of the other staff at the store have been preserved, and the focus will now be on developing and enhancing the company’s product range to appeal to new customers.
Jesper said: “I’m delighted to be involved with Jespers as the company moves forward into a new chapter in its history. One of the main joys for me over the years has been the satisfaction of providing a great service, so I’m looking forward to maintaining long-established and valued relationships with Jespers’ customers and suppliers.
“Since we announced in April our intentions to retire, the interest from the local community in the future of both our family and the business has been huge. We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received and we hope everyone is as excited as we are that Jespers of Harrogate will be continuing and developing in the future.”
His father, Charles Jesper, added: “Jespers has been in my family for 118 years and we’ve been overwhelmed with the many good wishes we’ve received from people in Harrogate and beyond.
“I’m delighted the business is being handed onto a team that’s going to respect the company’s history and values, including our reputation for outstanding customer service. As a family, we are also extremely pleased for the staff at the shop. I’d like to wish the new owners every success for the future.”
