Spalding Gibbs shoe shop manager retires after four decades of service at family-run business

A long-serving staff member at a popular family-run shoe shop is leaving her role after four decades of serving customers.

Popular with customers and colleagues alike, Mary Moore is retiring from Gibbs in Spalding town centre.

The 60-year-old, from Donington, has fitted shoes for different generations since starting as a junior assistant at the age of 16.

She has decided to retire following 44 years in the shoe trade to spend time with husband Steve and pursue some hobbies.

Mrs Moore said: “I was 16 when I walked through the door to see if there were any jobs.

“I had been doing a four-month training scheme at Hills and started looking for a job.

“I have worked with generations of the Gibbs family.”

George Gibbs bought an existing shoe shop, Miss Jones' Shoe Emporium, in Hall Place, Spalding, in 1908.

Previous generations, who worked at the store included Bernard, grandfather Frederick and great grandfather George.

Bernard Gibbs’ daughter Kate Robb and her daughter Emma both work at the shop, where Mrs Moore became a manager involved in buying, unpacking, customer service and displays.

Mrs Moore said: “I worked for Bernard Gibbs who was a real gentleman and manager Mr Rose. I was 34 when he retired.

“It is a family business and I have been part of that family.

“I am proud to have been able to work for a family like that.”

Emma Robb said: “It will be a big loss but it is time for her and her family.”

Colleague Julie Harris, who has worked at the shop for 21 years, reflected on the pair’s strong bond, adding: “It has been lovely, really lovely.”

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Mrs Moore met her partner Steve, a retired roofing contractor, at the age of 17 and 11 years later they got married.

The couple will now be able to spend more time together and Mrs Moore said: “I love gardening and going walking.

“We can have more spur-of-the-moment weekend holidays now that I am not working on a Saturday.

“It will be nice to have some time for us.”

Customers who have heard of the retirement - her last day being Saturday, December 23 - have brought gifts and cards in for the bubbly employee.

Mrs Moore said: “I am seeing customers who are now coming in with their children and I have seen families grow up.

“As a 16-year-old walking through that door I never thought I’d be here 44 years later.

“It has been a pleasure and I am going to miss it. It is time to start a new chapter.”

Do you have a nice memory to share of Mary and the team? Post your comments below.