Hubert Heaton:HUBERT HEATON, who has died aged 93, was the founder of the independent department store company that bears his name. The retail business was a spin-off from a family-owned woollen mill company which also wholesaled fabrics.
The business gradually grew, expanding in the 1960s. A second major expansion got under way after a management buy-in in 1995 when considerable investment was made in acquiring new stores and in modernising existing outlets. The company now operates 81 outlets north and south of the Border.
Operating as a value-for-money discounter, Heatons adopted the slogan “Look no further”. Stores carry a full range of ladies’, men’s and children’s clothing, along with soft furnishings, bedding and bathroom products. In addition, there are homeware and home entertainment departments.
Eighty per cent of the clothing carried by Heatons is produced exclusively for the company; home textiles and homeware are also own-brand. However, toys and toiletries are brand names well-known to consumers, but sold at significant discounts.
Some years ago, Heatons secured the franchise for the island of Ireland for the UK’s largest sports chain with the aim of opening 40 outlets.
In 1998, the company introduced a form of profit-sharing for staff, which was deemed by management to be a success. Hubert Heaton remained involved as a very active non-executive chairman until his retirement in 2006. His sons, Mark and Hugh, continue the family link with the business as buying directors.
Born in 1916, he was the son of Arthur Heaton, of Athlone, and his wife Emma (née Ormsby) from Mayo. The Heaton family originated in Yorkshire and his grandfather came from near Bradford.
He attended the local Church of Ireland national school and completed his secondary education at the Ranelagh School, Athlone. He left school at 18 and went into the family business. In 1946, he founded Heatons Limited.
Initially he concentrated on men’s clothing but soon diversified into all aspects of clothing and home textiles. The company expanded rapidly in the 1960s, and by the 1980s had 12 stores.
The second phase of expansion in the 1990s was rounded off by the acquisition of the franchise for SportsDirect.com. Heatons now employs 1,800 people throughout Ireland.
Hubert Heaton’s two great interests outside work were gardening and antiques. He was a member of the Irish Georgian Society, and a stalwart of Athlone rugby and golf clubs.
Predeceased by his wife Lily, he is survived by his daughter Hazel, sons Mark and Hugh, daughters-in-law Geraldine and Brid, and grandchildren.
Hubert (Bert) Heaton: born February 14th, 1916; died March 19th, 2009