A Stitch In Time: Hatchers Marks 250 Years On Taunton’s High Street

In an era of fleeting trends and throwaway retail, one Taunton business stands as a remarkable thread of continuity. Hatchers, the family-owned department store nestled in the heart of the High Street, is celebrating a truly astonishing milestone — 250 years in business. Founded in 1775, it’s one of the UK’s oldest department stores and a living, breathing chronicle of British retail history. Paul Andrews spoke to Mark Raisey, the current generation of one side of the two families who continue as custodians of the family business today to find out more.

To appreciate Hatchers' origins, you must cast your mind back to a time before income tax, when Lord Nelson was still a teenager and Napoleon Bonaparte a mere six-year-old boy. It was in this historical context that William Hatcher opened a modest drapery shop in Taunton, planting the roots of what would become a multi-generational enterprise.

From Drapers to Department Store

The story that followed is as rich and layered as the fabrics once sold from its shelves. William’s son, Thomas, became a respected Master Draper, with his son Demas continuing the family legacy. In a charming twist of fate, Demas fell in love with Catherine Blake, a fellow draper’s assistant. Their union not only joined two hearts but also two businesses — the Hatchers and the Blakes, resulting in the formation of Newberry, Blake & Hatcher.

By the mid-19th century, the enterprise was thriving at Nos. 12 and 13 High Street. As the family and business grew, so too did the number of staff — a bustling household of 25 souls, including draper’s assistants, apprentices and a porter. By 1883, with the retirement of Rice Blake, the company took on its now-familiar name: Hatcher & Sons.

Victorian Expansion and Diversification

The late 1800s were a boom time for the firm. New premises were constructed at 54-55 High Street, complete with showrooms, workshops, and delivery facilities. The business diversified, offering everything from mattresses and furniture to a funeral service (established in 1869 with just £136 in capital).

In 1898, the business became a limited company, with brothers Henry and Robert Hatcher steering the ship. Expansion continued through the early 20th century — acquiring neighbouring premises, launching new departments and even installing Taunton’s eighth telephone line.

Surviving Wars and Welcoming Women

By the 1920s, Hatchers occupied an impressive nine shopfronts on the High Street. New services such as removals and a ladies’ hair salon reflected the changing needs of its clientele. In 1928, the company purchased the buildings it had long leased, solidifying its roots in Taunton.

Through two world wars and multiple generations, the Hatcher family remained involved, though by the 1960s, leadership began transitioning to professional managers. Yet the commitment to community and quality service remained unchanged.

A New Era of Ownership

The 1980s brought both threat and opportunity. As national retailers began circling, two long-time directors, Michael Hill and Clive Raisey, stepped in with their wives to buy a controlling stake in the business — safeguarding its independence. Their families remain at the helm today, with sons Mark Raisey and Stephen Hill continuing the legacy.

In 2002, Hovelands Ltd — owned by the Hill and Raisey families — acquired the final shares from descendants of the original shareholders, bringing the business fully back into family hands for the first time in over a century.

As Mark explains, “I see my role simply as the custodian of this business for future generations. As a family when we completed the MBO we never had any intention of changing the name of the business. Hatchers is the name above the door today as it has been for 250 years and is part of the history of the business, our legacy and essentially our reputation as well.”

Standing the test of time for over 250 years is no mean feat, something that many fail to achieve so what is the secret of their long term success?

“I am not sure that there is anything specific that we have done over the years that has helped us stand the test of time,” continues Mark, “although we do offer a service that people still want, based on traditional values associated with customer service. It differentiates us as a business and reinforces our uniqueness as a store at the same time.”

“Like all retail businesses people are an integral part of what we do and our team are fantastic, many having been with us for years and love being part of our family. Whenever anyone new joins the team we know right away if they are a ‘fit for us’ and ‘get us’ and when they do, we know that they will be with us for the long run too,” he continues.

Prior to joining the family business Mark worked for NatWest for nearly ten years and waited for a couple of years post the MBO to make sure that things were settled when he was invited to join the business. “Retail was not in my blood at the time but I have become at one with all aspects of the business and after 36 years have to admit that it is part of the essence of who I am,” he adds.

As for the next generation, they have all been encouraged to go away and gain life experience and forge careers of their own but they are also learning skills that can be transferred to roles in the business too. “We will have to wait and see what happens but there may be opportunities for them to get involved and continue the family business into the next generation. We will just have to wait and see how things develop,” concludes Mark.

The Store Today

Modern-day Hatchers is much more than a department store. It’s a cornerstone of Taunton's identity — a place where generations have shopped, worked and made memories. Whether picking out a wedding gift, furnishing a first home, or visiting the salon, locals continue to rely on this High Street stalwart.