A menswear shop that has been at the heart of Bedford town centre since 1982 will officially close its doors this July, after trading for 44 years.
After more than four decades, Funky Junction’s lease is coming to an end, and the owner, Pankaj Shah, says he is looking forward to a well-deserved retirement.
The business began back in 1982 with a family connection.
Pankaj’s uncle already owned a clothes shop in Northampton, and Pankaj and his brother brought the business to Bedford and started working at Funky Junction together.
Aged just 23 and fresh out of university, Pankaj intended to only stay for around six months, but the rest is history.
Throughout his career, Pankaj has seen fashion trends come and go, but his customers have remained loyal, with many having bought their first pair of jeans at Funky Junction and returning time and time again over the decades.
“Customers that first came in the 80s have returned with their children, and I’ve seen them grow up and become customers too,” said Pankaj.
From bootcut to baggy, drainpipes to flares, Pankaj has seen it all.
“Our top-selling brands over the years have been Levi’s and Pepe, with Teddy Smith, Sonnetti and Voi jeans becoming popular with customers in the 2000s,” he said.
But the aftermath of the pandemic, plus the relocation of Barclays Bank from the High Street to Silver Street, has reduced footfall, making business trickier.
“I would like to thank all our loyal customers over the years,” said Pankaj.
“We look forward to welcoming them in before we close at the end of July, as there are some great bargains and it would be wonderful to say goodbye.”
