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It was in 1955 that Ron and Eileen Hurley opened the doors to something Manchester didn’t even know it needed yet. Ron had spotted a gap in the market for sportswear and equipment, as no one was catering for this at the time and with Eileen by his side they built the business together. From day one, Hurleys, a family-owned and run branded sports retailer, felt different. It wasn’t just a shop; it was a destination. The company is now celebrating 70 years in business. To mark the occasion there is a huge mid-season sale running until November 10 both in-store and online, and an in-store only 70th anniversary event between November 21 and 23 to celebrate, with massive giveaways from a variety of brands. A spokesman for Hurleys said: “We were the original sports shop in Manchester city centre - our most famous stores in Piccadilly, which most Mancunians will know us for, often had queues around the block to get in. "Before the sports shop, Ron and Eileen ran a café in Trafford docks, often referred to as Hurleys Milk Bar or Hurleys Vimto Bar. "People used to travel from all over the UK, such as Glasgow, Stoke and London, to come to the stores, as it had such a reputation and stock that they couldn’t get anywhere else, and they were often the first to get the next big brand. The sport shop carried the likes of Adidas and Nike, while the golf shop carried the premium brands like Lacoste, Fila, and Tacchini. Several brands came to us to help them launch as a result, and we were particularly well known for helping Henri-Lloyd in this way. “During Christmas sales we had to call the police as so many people were trying to get in, they were climbing over each other and getting crushed." Inside those bustling stores, the shelves told the story of a new era, stocking everything from scuba diving and fencing gear, shotguns and air rifles, to snooker cues, darts, and football shirts, specialising in both international and domestic teams. Ron also opened the first high street golf shop in England. By the time Hurleys hit its stride, it had become an institution across the North West and beyond. Over time, the business grew to 16 stores, including the first independently owned Lacoste shop in the UK at the Trafford Centre, which had the highest turnover by area of any Lacoste shop worldwide, alongside other locations in Manchester, Leeds & Liverpool. Hurleys also ran the first independently owned Henri-Lloyd store in Leeds and another location in Liverpool, as well as the first independently owned Paul & Shark store in Piccadilly. Alongside these franchises, they also had several Hurleys stores: Picadilly, Deansgate, Wigan, Bury, Salford and the three stores in Middlebrook that remain today. Creating a legacy When Ron passed, Eileen kept the heartbeat strong, joined by their children, Kim and Mark. The family listened to their customers and watched as sport and fashion began to merge. Over time it evolved into fashion because customers were going to golf shops to buy knitwear such as Pringle and Lyle & Scott, as the connection between fashion and sportswear started to emerge. This also saw the sports/fashion trend move into some of its top brands. It even had an Eccles store that was turned into a bar and restaurant called Fat Pigs Continental, which was included in a global publication entitled The World's Top 100 Designed Restaurants. Then came 2008. Like so many family businesses, Hurleys faced choices no one ever wants to make. With trademark pragmatism and resilience, it consolidated, protecting the beating heart of the brand and pivoting online. Unfortunately, after the banking crisis of 2008 the family had no choice but to close down stores and focus on the flagship Middlebrook location, and its online presence and platform. Still going strong Today, 70 years on, that heart still beats in Bolton. You’ll find Hurleys at Unit 13–15, The Mall, The Linkway, Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich, BL6 6JA (inside the mall by the Vue cinema), a modern home for a storied Manchester original. Recognised as one of the North West’s leading independent branded fashion retailers for men and women, Hurleys showcases many labels including Belstaff, Sandbanks, Paul Smith, Ugg, Holland Cooper, Barbour, Vivienne Westwood, and many more. The loyalty scheme is a community in its own right, with more than 60,000 members earning at least 5% back on what they spend. Best of all, it remains a true family business. Mark and his daughters, Jess and Tara, are hands-on every day, championing the same values that Ron and Eileen set in motion: service, style and a keen eye for what’s next. That heritage sets Hurleys apart. If you haven’t been in a while, consider this your invitation. Long-time customers who remember those queues around the block, and new friends discovering Hurleys for the first time, are all welcome. Shop in store or online at hurleys.co.uk
