Colin Summers calls it a day
The best salesman in the country may soon close up shop.
Colin Summers’ wife, Joyce, adds that not only is her husband a sterling salesman, but also a clothing outfitter who has given exceptional service to customers for 60 years.
READ:
The long-time owner of Colin Summers Gents Outfitters will close his shop in the Atlas Mall at the end of December unless it is sold in the interim.
Summers cited ill health as the reason for his decision.
The 76-year-old, who lives in Farrarmere, left school in Grade Eight as he needed to support his mother, Lily, and brother, Noel.
He started his career as a 16-year-old at Lubners Outfitters in Prince’s Avenue in 1957.
“I remember the first day I walked into the shop with my hands behind my back,” he said.
“My boss said to me that we do not stand around in the shop, so he gave me a feather duster and broom and told me to get busy; I have never forgotten that.”
He completed a five-year apprenticeship.
When Gerald O’Brien bought the business from Claude Broomberg, the business changed its name to Claude’s Outfitters.
In later years, Summers bought shares in this business.
Rewind 38 years from 2017, Summers sold his shares and retired.
It was not long after this that he opened his own shop in the Atlas Mall.
Summers told the City Times he has been in the clothing business for 60 years and, thinking back, would not have wanted a different profession.
“This has been my life, I truly believe in my heart that God steered me to it,” he said.
In 2008, the South African Council of Shopping Centres awarded a certificate to the business for being a finalist in the retailer category.
Customer service has largely been to thank for Summers’ successful business venture.
It is such a big deal that when the City Times interviewed him at his business, he instinctively stood up and greeted a customer who had walked into the shop.
“Would you like some coffee?” Summers asked the man.
“If you’re here until six, get a trolley, then you can have some Scotch.”
Joyce said her husband treats every client the same.
“If a customer walks in and wants a tie, he will show him every tie in the shop,” said Joyce.
“He will treat you like you’re buying 12 suits.”
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
