This year, one of Bedford town centre’s most trusted and well-loved shops is celebrating its 60th year in business.
Michael R Peters first opened its doors in November 1966, selling white goods from its store on the corner of Wellington Street and The Broadway.
Five years away from decimalisation, a Hotpoint fridge would cost you £53 11s, the equivalent of around £1,200 in today’s money, and a pint was 2s 6d, or around £4.50 adjusted for inflation.
Since then, the shop has grown to incorporate Tavistock Sound and Vision next door and become one of the founding members of the Euronics group – and remains one of Bedford’s most trusted independent retailers.
“Mike and his wife Mary started the empire back in 1966,” said director Paul Mead, who has been with the company since 1982.
“Over the years, we’ve adapted and evolved the business to reflect the changing times, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 60th birthday this year.”
One thing that hasn’t changed is the business’s commitment to customer service – and they certainly go the extra mile, or several hundred in some cases.
Their furthest delivery was to the South of France, installing TVs, speakers, Wi-Fi, and CCTV at a customer’s ski chalet, but generally it’s a 15-mile radius from their Bedford base.
“As other shops in the area have closed, we’ve found that our coverage has increased over the last 15 years. We now regularly deliver to Ampthill, Flitwick, Rushden, Shefford and Kimbolton,” said Paul.
And continuing with the personal touch, every installation is followed up with a phone call from Christine to check that the customer is happy with their new product.
Milestones
The business has achieved several milestones over the last 60 years, not least the transition from black and white to colour televisions.
“The technological advances we’ve seen over the last 60 years are incredible,” said Paul.
The shop was responsible for signing up the one millionth Sky satellite customer (“Rupert Murdoch came to Bedford to celebrate,” recalls Paul) and welcoming wind-up radio inventor, Trevor Bayliss and his dog, for a ‘wind-up day’ at the shop.
“We were also Bedford’s first drive-through shop,” laughs Paul, reminiscing about the time a car accidentally ploughed into the front of the shop as it drove round the Broadway.
As part of their birthday celebrations, their 60th customer every month will receive a surprise treat, and the shop window will feature a display of retro products that they’ve sold over the years.
They’ll also be taking part in this year’s River Festival, raising money for Bedford Hospital Charity.
Looking to the future
While this year is all about reminiscing about the last 60 years, Paul and the team also have their eyes on the future of the business.
“We’ve just employed our youngest install team – Cody and George – so we’re training up the next generation of Michael R Peters’ employees,” said Paul.
As part of the Euronics family, the shop is part of a 450-strong network of independent businesses, taking advantage of the group’s buying power and manufacturing
“We wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for them,” admits Paul.
In an effort to future-proof the business, Euronics have launched its own exclusive white goods brands – Sensis and Schonhaus – giving its stores products that can compete with the “multinational manufacturing behemoths”.
“We want to be here for the next 60 years,” said Paul. “Unlike dinosaurs, we are adapting to the ever-changing environment and we look forward to serving our customers, old and new, for many years to come.”
Birthday giveaway
To celebrate the business’s 60th birthday, Michael R Peters is giving one lucky reader a £100 gift voucher to spend at the store.
To be in with a chance to win, email your full name and address along with the correct answer to the following question to win@bedfordindependent.co.uk by midnight on Friday, 10 April.
Question: What year did Michael R Peters open?
The winner will be notified the following Monday.
Terms and conditions can be found here.
