'Time to retire after 45 years of six-day weeks'

Businessman Christopher White has not taken a proper holiday in 45 years.

But at some point in the autumn, he will walk out of AR White & Son in Bilston, Wolverhampton, for an overdue break.

He will be calling time on his family's 96-year-old menswear store, one of the oldest and most recognisable firms in the town.

"It's going to be a sad day when I lock that door for the final time," he said.

The family business on Church Street was established by Mr White's grandfather, Albert Reginald, in 1929.

His father Kenneth came on board in 1949, before knocking the shop down and rebuilding it in the same spot.

Mr White began working there in 1980 at the age of 18, and later took it over.

"Business has been doing great," he explained.

"Bilston people and Wolverhampton people have supported us over the years with some great footfall."

Loyal customers from all over the Midlands have sent thank you cards after he announced the store's closure.

But it hasn't been enough to convince him to stay.

"It's time to retire and take it easy," he added.

"I will still come back to Bilston and possibly do something else with my life but six days a week for 45 years and not much time off has taken its toll."

The store will close in September or October with customers having to look elsewhere for their menswear needs.

But Mr White said he believed Bilston remained a great place to do business, having recently been awarded £20m for improvement works including to the town's market.

He said there had been many changes to shops and the customer base in the past four decades, but he thought it would continue to thrive.

"It's amazing what you can get on the market these days, it's incredible," he said.

"It's all reasonably priced and the people are great and friendly and happy to serve you.

"If you want a nice afternoon or morning out with free parking it's the place to come."

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