Bartletts of Wimborne Expands Ahead of Busy School Uniform Season

Bartletts of Wimborne, a family-run menswear and school uniform retailer, has expanded into a larger premises on King Street just as the summer uniform season gets underway.

The business has combined two units into one bigger retail space, moving into premises previously home to another long-established local business, Holman’s electrical shop. Bartletts has traded in Wimborne since 1989, when it was founded by Rodger Bosence. His granddaughter, Rebecca Roberts, now runs the shop as the third generation of her family to do so, having taken over from her mother, Samantha Thompson, in 2012.

Mrs Roberts said the business had always run two shops in Wimborne but had decided this year to expand further, giving the shop more room for both its menswear and schoolwear ranges. On the menswear side, Bartletts stocks traditional brands including Meyer and Gurteen, and has recently added the European label Brax alongside a newer, more contemporary supplier, A Fish Named Fred.

School uniform has become an increasingly significant part of the business. Mrs Roberts said Bartletts now supplies uniforms to a number of schools in and around Wimborne, including independent schools, after growing approaches from local schools over the years. With the summer holidays now here, the shop is encouraging parents, carers and grandparents to book uniform fitting appointments ahead of a visit, saying it helps staff give each family the time and attention needed and makes for a smoother visit during what is typically its busiest time of year.

Asked why she thought the business had done so well, Mrs Roberts said customers regularly tell her they prefer shopping independently and like to avoid busier towns where they can. She put much of Bartletts’ success down to its staff, and to the personable experience customers get in store, saying the team gives its time to customers and that shoppers are served by people they recognise, many of whom have their own family ties to the area. She added that the shop has also welcomed new team members over the summer, who are being given time to learn the ropes.

Looking ahead, Mrs Roberts said the business hopes to keep growing, with plans to bring in new menswear brands and take on further schools for its uniform service.

For online orders, appointment booking and more information on school uniforms, visit the Bartletts website directly.

bartlettsofwimborne.co.uk