About Us
History of Whitemores ~ Ian White
Whitemores was founded in 1949 by Mr. Eric White in premises situated in St. Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, moving eventually to a rented shop in High Street, Market Harborough.
A block of property was then purchased in Adam and Eve Street, and then Whitemores finally made a move to the prestigious lower part of the town’s High Street.
The original enterprise was Leathergoods, both manufacturing and retail. Mr. Eric White was joined by his son Ian who gained a Diploma in Leathergoods at Cordwainers College, London, home of many a famous present-day shoe designer.
The latest London fashions were to be found at Whitemores in the 60’s, long before some big stores entered the market. China and glassware were added to the stock in the late 60’s, and this has become the dominant product today.
After Mr. White Seniors Tenure, a period in which he welcomed Her Majesty the Queen to Market Harborough in his capacity as Chairman of the Council, his son Ian took over the business and continued the growth until 2002 when, having no dependants, he and his wife Esmé decided to retire.
The business was sold to Maurizio and Julia Gobbato, who also offer a prestigious restoration service, and combined with the Italian’s known flair on design, the shop continued to thrive and offers a first class service that Whitemores through the years has been recognised for.
Customers needs and preferences are always paramount - Quality reigns supreme.
Whitemores was founded in 1949 by Mr. Eric White in premises situated in St. Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, moving eventually to a rented shop in High Street, Market Harborough.
A block of property was then purchased in Adam and Eve Street, and then Whitemores finally made a move to the prestigious lower part of the town’s High Street.
The original enterprise was Leathergoods, both manufacturing and retail. Mr. Eric White was joined by his son Ian who gained a Diploma in Leathergoods at Cordwainers College, London, home of many a famous present-day shoe designer.
The latest London fashions were to be found at Whitemores in the 60’s, long before some big stores entered the market. China and glassware were added to the stock in the late 60’s, and this has become the dominant product today.
After Mr. White Seniors Tenure, a period in which he welcomed Her Majesty the Queen to Market Harborough in his capacity as Chairman of the Council, his son Ian took over the business and continued the growth until 2002 when, having no dependants, he and his wife Esmé decided to retire.
The business was sold to Maurizio and Julia Gobbato, who also offer a prestigious restoration service, and combined with the Italian’s known flair on design, the shop continued to thrive and offers a first class service that Whitemores through the years has been recognised for.
Customers needs and preferences are always paramount - Quality reigns supreme.
