A long-standing Morecambe family business has been celebrating a remarkable milestone after its matriarch turned 90 last week.
Briggs Shoes, a familiar presence on the town’s Central Promenade, marked the birthday of Mary Powney – a key figure in the company’s history and one of the driving forces behind its longevity.
The independent retailer, which dates back to 1863, is now in its sixth generation of family ownership, making it one of the area’s oldest businesses.
Its links to Morecambe stretch back more than 40 years, after opening its first shop on Regent Road in 1985.
The business later cemented its place in the town in 2013, converting a former promenade chip shop into its flagship store and head office – outlasting former high street neighbours including Hitchens and Woolworths.
Mary’s life is closely intertwined with the company’s story. Originally a professional musician who studied at the Royal Academy in London, she returned to the family business in 1968 with her husband Ian following the early death of her father, Leslie, to support her mother, Bessie.
Throughout Briggs’ history, women have played leading roles in shaping the business.
From Mary’s grandmother, Isabella Sophia Briggs, to her mother Bessie, who took charge after her brother, a Dunkirk veteran, died at the end of the Second World War, the company has a strong tradition of female leadership.
Today, the business continues to be run by the Powney family, with Mary’s son Tom, his partner Laura Domville, and Mary’s grandson Luke, who represents the sixth generation. Luke first began helping out in the shop aged just seven.
Tom said his mother had been central to both the family and the firm over many decades.
He said: "Mum has always been at the heart of the family and the business, changing her life to return to it when I was just two, taking the helm during my father’s ill health, and helping it adapt, survive and thrive through many challenging times.
"Reaching 90 is a wonderful milestone and gives us a chance not only to celebrate her, but also the generations of customers, staff and local communities that have known Mary and supported Briggs over many years."
While footwear remains at its core, the business has adapted over time, introducing new brands as well as clothing and accessories to meet changing customer demand.
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The family is also looking ahead to the future of Morecambe. Strong supporters of the Eden Project Morecambe development, they have even installed a roof camera overlooking the site to document its progress as work begins.
As part of the celebrations, the business is inviting customers to share their own memories of Briggs Shoes and Morecambe, both in-store and on social media.
Tom added: "We hope mum’s milestone helps remind people of independent businesses’ role in local communities like Morecambe, honouring the past while helping to shape an exciting future."
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