A FAMILY business is looking forward to welcoming customers back again when shops reopen in Northwich on Monday.

Julie Clare Schoolwear has been running stalls in Northwich and Winsford markets for more than 50 years.

The business was founded by Neil Hodkinson, 81, and his wife Jean, 80, from Winsford, and the couple now work with daughter Julie, 56 and son Tim, 54, who has been running the Northwich stall for the past seven years.

The school uniform business moved into a shop after a devastating blaze destroyed Northwich covered market on January 3 and reopens on Tuesday, June 16.

Mum-of-four Julie said: “We had only just got over the fire and back on our feet in a shop next to Hornbury butchers when we had to close again because of lockdown.

Northwich Guardian:

Mum-of-four Julie Hodkinson is looking forward to meeting customers again

“Stalls on the inside market were not big enough for the amount of stock we carry.”

The Winsford market stall will reopen on July 2.

Uniforms with logos for almost every school in the local area can be supplied.

Customers can also order through social media and pay in instalments.

"We do a savings club for both stalls," said Julie. "Parents can place an order, pay a deposit and pay weekly. We put the uniform away and keep it. We started this five years ago and last year had 300 members.

"If families are struggling with several children it is a lot to pay out all at once."

A delivery service is also available to help families self isolating.

"Families come back to us each year with their children and grandchildren," said Julie."We have a lot of loyal customers. Mum and dad still enjoy working. Dad goes to the warehouse to buy the stock in."

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Northwich Guardian:

Neil and Jean Hodkinson still enjoy running the family business

New social distancing measures will be in place when the shop and market stall reopen.

"We're ready and raring to go," said Julie. "We've got all the stock in. I hope to have four staff with my two eldest boys helping me.

"We will have certain safety measures in place so it will be one customer to each member of staff and one way in and one way out."