From Rags to Riches

In the summer of 2001 i went to an exhibition with my old boss, and on the first day he slated my clothing, ‘ok so my dress sense wasnt the best i was wearing an old (hand me down) from my older brother i remember it being a horrible brown and black v-neck. My boss would always joke with me about my clothing and although some of it was in jest it still made me feel a bit down i mean how could i afford the type of clothes that he wore. I knew that in a few years i could aspire to be as trendy and as well dressed as him but for now i didnt stand a chance with the money i was on.

Something magical was to happen on the last day of the exhibition my boss told me to get rid of the brown and black jumper because he was to take me shopping. I thought he was kidding i couldnt believe what was happening. He then took me to a gentlemens clothing shop and picked out 3 john Smedley jumpers, i tried on all 3 and couldnt pick just one i loved them all. He asked me which one i liked the best but i literally struggled to pick one he knew i loved all three and took them to the till. I offered to pay even though i couldnt afford it and he bought them as a present for all my hard work i have kept all three knits and still wear them today they are so nice.

My boss retired a year after and even to this day when i buy a new Smedley knit i will always remember his kindness and how i feel when i wear my john smedley knit, i am very proud to be a part of the 225 year history.