The Kent History Forum

Leisure, Sport and Entertainment => Retail => Topic started by: Smiffy on March 06, 2020, 01:26:15 AM

Title: Paine's
Post by: Smiffy on March 06, 2020, 01:26:15 AM
KeithG has already uploaded an external photo of the Chatham branch in another topic, so here's one of the interior. This view is not too different from what you would have seen as late as the 1960's:
(https://i.postimg.cc/qMWyJL4g/Paines2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)


Demolished in the 1970's, this was the Strood branch situated on the corner of Station road and the High street. After retiring in 1978, Mr W E Paine lived until the age of 98 before finally passing away in 2005.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BQj2fyWd/Paines-Strood.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: castle261 on March 06, 2020, 08:24:15 AM
Notice something missing in today`s shops --- chairs. Always chairs to sit on while waiting.
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: CAT on March 06, 2020, 08:26:53 AM
And attentive shop assistants too.
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: Colin walsh on March 06, 2020, 11:40:47 AM
Hi all,just as I remember both shops,long time ago now but good memories ,after the yard closed I worked for Watts Charites ,for a while ,handyman,W pains supplied our overalls and out door clothing
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: Dave Smith on March 06, 2020, 12:22:18 PM
Colin. Maybe your Yard overalls came from there, or did the Yard have its own shop for that sort of thing? Not only chairs are missing, at my age I could certainly do with one, but no hats. And of course, all the stock is available on hangers so you help yourself- but can you find an assistant! I suspect that in those days, staff were on commission- a bit like Grace Brothers? Of course we didn't realise it at the time, just that they were very helpful. I was always mystified by the drapers measuring cloth by the yard at " one ( or two ) & eleven three"!
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: castle261 on March 06, 2020, 06:37:59 PM
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: alkhamhills on March 06, 2020, 08:17:19 PM
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: pete.mason on March 07, 2020, 11:21:31 AM
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: Smiffy on March 07, 2020, 01:32:09 PM
Interesting that his parents lived in Letchworth Avenue, as around this time my Mother worked as a domestic there. Unfortunately I have no idea as to the names of the couple she worked for, but I do remember her saying how kind they were. Perhaps there was a connection, but as with many things like this it's now all a bit too late to find out.
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: castle261 on March 07, 2020, 04:09:50 PM
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: Dave Smith on March 08, 2020, 12:21:46 PM
C261. I suspect drapers were different from clothiers or outfitters re commission. When I was first a sales engineer, we were paid a basic- on which you existed- & commission( on how much you exceeded your target) - on which you lived.
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: Smiffy on March 08, 2020, 01:16:53 PM
Title: Re: Paine's
Post by: KeithG on March 28, 2020, 12:34:46 PM
Sometimes progress is not welcomed at all?
1971 Picture of Paines in Chatham High Street