Owners of century old family business close shop
The shop had been operating for over a century.
Bombay Tailors and Outfitters has closed after being open and serving the people of greater Springs for over a century.
“As painful as it is, we have no choice but to close it,” said third-generation owner Naresh Bhaga Muljee.
Naresh used to live in Springs and recently relocated to Bedfordview.
He said the costs of travelling to the shop every day and keeping it open were proving too much.
Bombay Tailors and Outfitters was a business that would sell men’s clothes and do alterations for men’s and women’s clothes. It was opened in 1919 by Naresh’s grandfather Bhaga Muljee.
“I joined the business with my dad and elder brother who have passed on. I had been actively working in the family business for 52 years,” he said.
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The business, which has served many families in its lifetime, has made memories with them.
“Lots of people used, and still do, to come with their dads and moms. We have had the honour of making friends and family as we would share stories and shared in their good and bad news,” he said.
Despite the pain of closing down, Naresh is at peace as he leaves a beautiful and lasting legacy behind.
“My greatest achievement is knowing I made people happy and I can attest to that because I enjoyed coming to the shop every day,” he said.
He had some words of wisdom for other business owners in the tailoring industry.
“Your customers are the family you didn’t ask for but were blessed with. Treat them right and treasure them. Serve all your customers with a smile – it’s the least you can do,” he said.
