A Real Reason to Celebrate
Real clothing (or Benets of Southwell as it was formerly known) is celebrating its 40th year in Southwell!
Originally a Gents outfitter, the business was started in 1976 by Ben Brough, a local businessman and farmer. Ben was keen to have somewhere locally to buy men’s clothes and being something of an entrepreneur he decided he was the man to do it!
Located at 5 King Street, the shop was supplied over the years by Edward Adams, a Sales Manager with Wolsey the Leicester Knitwear and hosiery brand, who also lived locally.
A friendship formed between the two, which culminated in Edward and his wife Marjorie taking over the business in 1990.
Benets thrived as a Classic Men’s business and new lines of school wear, formal wear and shoes were added.
In 2003 it was time for the next generation to take over the helm, with Rupert Adams and his wife, Lucy purchasing the business from his parents and relocating the shop to its current premises at 3 Market place, Southwell.
Over the next ten years the shop has evolved into a thriving, contemporary clothing store; re-named to ‘real clothing’ and expanded to include two women’s boutiques in Southwell and West Bridgford. In 2011 the business also moved online at realclothingstore.co.uk.
Stocking top European and International brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Gant, Barbour, Tommy Hilfiger, Maison Scotch, Fred Perry and Great Plains, real clothing has become known as a leading fashion retailer in the area.
“Our aim has always been to offer our customers the latest in everyday, wearable fashion clothing and accessories,” explained Rupert.
“I hope our wide range of clothing appeals to all members of the local community – both young and old!
“Southwell has been a great home for 40 years for real clothing and Benets and Lucy and I hope the business and the town continue to thrive over the next decade.”