Independent boyswear store, Woody’s Boys Clothing Co, is celebrating 30 years of trading in 2023. Located at 1334 High Road, London, the business first opened its doors on 5 February 1993. Today, it offers a full range of casual, formal and partywear for boys aged 8-16 years.

Store owner Richard Wood started in the childrenswear business in 1992 as an agent working alongside his father, representing David Charles and a selection of international labels. His mother at that point had owned a childrenswear shop for 30 years.

“I spotted a gap in the market for a store specialising solely in boyswear,” says Wood. “A unit became available in High Road, Whetstone, 200 metres from my mother’s shop. I travelled around Paris studying shop fits, knowing I needed a fit-out suitable for casual and formal clothes. We eventually went for a wood-panelled design complemented by memorabilia around the store.”

The store opened offering brands such as Ton Sur Ton, Chipie, Diesel, Chevignon and Naf Naf, along with 1880 Club and several French suit labels. As the business grew, more labels joined the store, including Tokin, Spliffy and Bleu Bolt jeans. Further down the line, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger were added, together with O’Neil and Quiksilver.

“When Abercrombie came to the UK and our casual market reduced slightly, we started to become known for special occasion clothing, particularly for Barmitzvah,” continues Wood. “We now have around 600 suits in stock, plus fantastic party blazers and jeans.”

So, what’s the secret to Woody’s Boys Clothing Co’s success? “Customer service beyond anything else,” confirms Wood. “We are only as good as the last customer, and we hope they will recommend us to all their friends. We’ve survived 30 years – my mother, Ruth, a retail legend, traded for 62 years – and our enthusiasm for retail hasn’t waned.”

To visit the store’s website, please click here.