AUSTINS’ store director Trevor Boobyer – known affectionately to staff and customers as Mr B – is finally hanging up his hat and retiring aged 80.

It’s his last day at the famous Newton Abbot department store today (July 16).

He’ll be saying goodbye to the store’s customers all day. And staff, past and present, will see him off in style after the shop doors close.

He said: ‘I’ve always been scared of retirement but now the time is right. When I turned 65 we were so busy it wasn’t a good time to go.

‘It’s always been terrific here but the time is right to leave now. Paul joined us last year and he’s really very good. I’ve done my best for 35 years and now it’s over to him.

‘I’ve been working since I was 15 as an apprentice in a department store, so will miss work immensely, but my daughter has set me up as a hospital volunteer so that should keep me busy.

‘My wife and I have got a holiday lodge in Dorset so we’ll be spending more time there with a gin in hand.’

Trevor joined the company in 1984 as merchandise manager.

Back then the store’s founder Charles Austin was still running the business.

Charles opened the store in 1924 after being sent to Newton Abbot by his father Robert to find a suitable location to expand the family drapery business. Charles’ son David now runs Austins.

Trevor turned 80 on May 23 and has gradually reduced his days from full-time since April. He lives in Taunton and has commuted to the store for 35 years.

He said: ‘I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed my time here. Everyone is so warm and lovely – we’re one family really.

‘I’ve had a ball over the years and had the most enjoyable time here. We’ve had so many laughs with fancy dress parties etc. For my 70th birthday they did a window display with me as James Bond – 0070!

‘Over the years Austins has gone from a market town store to the largest independent store in the South West. They’ve created a store in a million here.

‘I came when Charles was 80 and he retired at 96. And both Charles and David have been fantastic to work for.

‘Staff past and present have been so loyal and committed to Austins. They should be proud of their contribution to the company.

‘Staff loyalty and retention is very high – 30 per cent have been here more than 20 years and our senior manager Debbie started in 1967, 52 years ago.

‘That gives customers consistency and the ability to build relationships with our staff. David is a very caring and considerate employer and because our staff are happy our customers are happy.

‘The success of Austins is pretty vital in my view to the town as a whole.’

Trevor has been a hit with customers over the years, and was particularly cherished for his fashion shows in the late ’90s.

He added: ‘The Round Table in Torquay needed a fashion show so we went to hotels in Torquay with our fashion wear and our staff as catwalk models. I used to compere, joking with the staff and audience. Everyone loved it.’

The Austins store has expanded from one store to four during Trevor’s time, although high street shopping has suffered a downturn in recent years.

Trevor said: ‘High streets nationally are not doing well. The problem is obviously competition from online and car parking charges.

‘Councils in my view should wake up and reduce charges and recoup this loss by rating out of town parking. Shop closures mean less revenue for councils.

‘However, Austins is still doing well. It has strong customer loyalty.

‘Shopping is a social experience I believe and we do courtesy and warmth, which is fundamental to success.

‘The rapport with our customers is lovely; we help them feel part of the store. And being on the high street is much more fun than in an out of town complex.

‘Austins is also very modern and David has invested heavily in the company, recently installing over 1,000 solar panels and LED lighting in the stores.’

Trevor has also been chairman of South West Association of Independent Stores for 11 years.

David Austin said: ‘It’s been an absolutely tremendous time with Trevor.

‘He’s a fantastic person with so much enthusiasm for what he does, and such an interest in people and retail and product.

‘He became part of our team 35 years ago and brought a great deal to the table.

‘We’ve been extraordinarily happy and lucky to have him for so many years and will miss him.’