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History Of Aldiss 1892 - 2010

WJ Aldiss Ltd was established in 1892, when the first Managing Director, William James Aldiss, started a drapery shop in Norwich Street, Fakenham. Since that date, the Company has moved several times in the town, expanding to several larger premises including Norwich Street and Upper Market.

In the 1950s the introduction of furniture by William V Aldiss, the founder's eldest son, meant that Aldiss could provide a wider range of household furnishings, soft furnishings and linens. By 1988 the company saw Timothy Aldiss take over as the new Managing Director and the company move to its present superstore site in Oxborough Lane.

Betty's of Holt was purchased in 1947 by William V Aldiss and became a fully owned branch of W J Aldiss Ltd in 1999. The Company was named after the previous owner, and the Aldiss family kept the original name when they purchased the business. This store traded in linens and soft furnishings and, at a later date, expanded to occupy additional premises in the High Street.

In August 2002 the Oxborough Lane superstore underwent significant refit and in June 2003, the company opened a new 50,000 sq.ft. superstore at Hall Road, Norwich. The company currently retails from the two superstores with a total retail sales floor approaching 100,000 sq.ft.

In September 2004 the Betty's side of the business was sold to Bakers and Larners of Holt and most of Betty's employees transferred with it.

Tim Aldiss has now retired from the day-to-day management of the business and become Chairman of the Group. Paul Clifford as Managing Director is now responsible for the day-to-day business operation.

Aldiss of Fakenham and Norwich currently sell a wide range of furniture, flooring, lighting, homewares, cookware and giftware. Our Distribution Centre and many administrative departments serve all stores. We are members of Associated Independent Stores Ltd, which is a buying group, giving our Company a major advantage in buying power and giving access to information, training and technology. All this enables us to fulfil our aim to be at the forefront of retailing.

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