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Aitken &Niven has grown its online business, and boasts successful sports and school uniform online shops, placing it at the forefront of twenty-first century retail.
Our Edinburgh city store in Morningside, is somewhat larger than the original store, which was founded by Robert Aitken in 1905 (a short distance from George Street, at 46 Queensferry Street).
Although Aitken &Niven has seen dramatic growth over the years, its emphasis firmly remains on quality products and service.
In 1905, Aitken &Niven was established, as "gentlemen's tailors of distinction". Providing tailored suits for both work and leisure, A &N offered a personal service, the quality of which was vouched by its customer loyalty, many Edinburgh gentlemen establishing an ongoing business relationship with an individual tailor.
The workroom at Queensferry Street will have been a busy work environment, in which its tailors sewed cross-legged, as this was believed to be the best posture to assume while working.
The first few years proved successful for the store and it continued to trade during the 1st World War by expanding into Ladies Tailoring and Military Service uniforms. It is also a credit to Aitken &Niven that the store managed to survive the Great Depression of the 1930's when many contemporary stores went out of business.
The advent of the 2nd World War introduced fabric rationing, and a threat to Aitken &Niven's business.
In 1943 however, A &N introduced its School Wear Department. This suggestion came from William Ferguson, who had previously held a position at the Edinburgh store, Jenner's, as a senior salesman in the Gentlemen's and Boys' Departments. This idea made him into a partner, and his grandson, David Ferguson, is Managing Director of Aitken &Niven today.
Aitken &Niven became a limited company after the war in 1949, and continued trading at 46 Queensferry Street, until the store moved to 79 George Street in 1958.
David Ferguson's father, Derek had joined the company in 1955. Only a few years after A &N moved to George Street, Derek's father, William, passed away and Derek took over as Managing Director in May 1964.
Under Derek Ferguson's guidance, the store continued to successfully develop through the 1960's and 70's. At this time, the concept of 'self-service' in stores grew, and as conglomerates bought over a large number of department stores, Aitken &Niven continued to place faith in the belief that customers valued personal service.
Despite criticism for what were deemed 'unfashionable ideas', A &N continued to see growth, and expanded into Sportswear and Equipment, positively extending the School Wear range.
In 1980, A &N expanded to include 77 George Street, its new departments including Ladies' Fashions and Footwear.
Throughout the 1980's the company continued to thrive, and in 1991, the Barbour range of outdoor wear was introduced into the store. The 1990's also saw A &N diversifying into other areas with the purchase in 1991 of the Fenwicks of Perth department store, and in 1993, the Alan Mickel shoe shop at Clarkston Toll in Glasgow.
After 32 successful years as Managing Director of Aitken &Niven, Derek Ferguson handed over the position in August 1996, to his son David (whose brother, Richard had already been made a Director in 1994).
The store continues to change keeping up with today's fast moving retail environment, specialising and expanding its School Uniform, Sports and Shoe and Fashion businesses.
Fenwick's of Perth has now been rebranded under the Aitken &Niven name, with a new refit for it's School Uniform, Sports and Shoe departments.
Aitken &Niven's Corporate department is continuing to expand under the guidance of Douglas Ewen, who joined our company in 2003, taking all of our quality and experience in the school wear, sports and corporate trade direct to clubs, businesses, schools and associations.
Our website, which has been in existence since 1996, has gone through its 5th change in 2008 to enhance the retail experience for our customers.
''Andiamo' Aitken & Niven's fashion boutique opened in 2005 is "Not just for the stars, but for every lady who wants to look good." See our superb collection at affordable prices. Barbour, Libra, James Lakeland, Peruzzi, Qui, H.B. Shoes.
We opened a new quality School Uniform store in Blackhall, Edinburgh in August 2004 and in 2007 within McCalls, Bridge Street, Aberdeen. This increases our number of stores to 6, including the website www.aitken-niven.co.uk
Today, this family-owned business strives to continue to provide its customers with a unique and professional service in School Uniform, Sports, Women's Fashion, Footwear and Accessories.
Quality in the making since 1905
© 1996-2008 Aitken & Niven, 6 Falcon Road West, Morningside, Edinburgh, EH10 4AQ T: +44 (0)131 477 3922
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