Family firm has stood test of time

IT is a Dales’ institution, relied on for generations by local people and highly valued by visitors.

Sitting at the top of Leyburn’s broad, square, market place, Campbells of Leyburn opened its doors as R Campbell & Son in 1868, and 145 years and five generations later, it is still a thriving business.

As head gardener on the Bolton Estate, Robert Campbell probably had little business experience. However, his 26-year-old son Alexander, apprenticed to a Leyburn grocer, may have provided the entrepreneurial zeal for the venture.

Following the deaths of Alexander and Robert, the second son, John Carter Campbell, was left in charge. In turn his son, another Robert, joined the firm.

The First World War saw Robert leave to “do his bit”

on the Western Front. However, injuries sustained in the conflict led to his premature death and the reins of running the shop fell to his son, Robert Anthony.

Present owner and fifth generation to run the firm, Robert Douglas Campbell, known as Doug, explained: “In those days, the shop had a single front and would have been quite small. It also sold ammunition.

“As a 13-year-old, dad used to cycle round the Dales collecting orders which were delivered next day. It was faster than internet shopping is now. New customers always asked if it was OK if they shopped at Campbell’s – they were very polite then.”

The Second World War again saw a Campbell answer his country’s call. The shop was placed in trust while Robert joined the RAF, serving in the Western Desert.

When hostilities ended, the business entered a period of relative stability. By 1952, Robert had bought the shop from Lord Bolton for the princely sum of £2,000.

The1960s saw a move with the times. Anne Beardsmore, Doug Campbell’s sister, recalls: “I remember the shop going selfservice, a team ripped out the shelves and spent a day putting in the new layout.

“They had to be quick as dad didn’t want to lose any customers. He was sacred stuff would be pinched.”

For the Yorkshire Dales, the new-style store was revolutionary.

Customers were met at the door and showed round by the shop girls.

Although destined to become a teacher, Mrs Beardsmore was expected to work in the shop and, as she could drive, deliver orders.

She recalled: “I remember one Christmas Eve I had to drive back to the shop as two ladies had ordered the wrong butter and wanted it changing. It is a myth people were more polite then.”

The shop expanded in 1975 and the following year Doug Campbell joined the family firm, gradually taking over from his father.

He recalled: “Dad still visited the shop, but for a man who changed so many things, he worried when I changed things.”

Recent years have seen further expansion, with a dairy area, a butcher’s, a delicatessen, barcodes and becoming a Costcutter.

Mr Campbell has an immense pride in his familyrun business, employing 25 staff, including his wife, Kath, and her sister, Jane.

Manager Richard Walker has been with them for over 20 years.

Mr Campbell said: “In the old days, the competition came from other shops in Leyburn – now it is large supermarkets and internet shopping.

Present owner Doug Campbell with 15-year-old son Matt

“Years ago we closed on Sundays and Wednesday afternoons, now we have to open evenings and weekends to compete.

“It is our aim to make sure customers keep coming back. We want to be known for our quality, as it is easy to sell good stuff and you don’t have to travel to get a bargain.”

The shop looks after its older customers and will select products for them and deliver if required.

Helen Wrightson has been a customer for the past 50 years. She said: “I always find great quality and very helpful service. My daughter, when she visits me, always stocks up there before she returns to London.”

Pricewise, Campbell’s can compete with the big supermarkets.

Buying locally whenever possible, their relationships with suppliers such as Wensleydale Creamery and Raydale Preserves go back many years.

Several years ago they were the only small independent in the final of the National Retail Awards. For the last two years they have won the Herriot Award for independent shops.

Through the Making A Difference Fund they have given charitable donations to local recipients and funded a tourism leaflet.

With his loyal customers and staff, Mr Campbell is optimistic about the future.

His own son, 15-year-old Matt, works part-time in the store and daughter Beth at 11 is a regular visitor.

Mr Campbell said: “I like to think my great-great-grandfather Robert could walk in and, although it has changed no end, he would still like the fact it is a family- run business and be proud of what he created.”