The post-war period of 1950’s to the late 1960’s were boom times in the clothing trade.

Stock was plentiful, people wanted to replace worn out clothing while at the same time looking for new styles. Migrants were introducing new fashions, such as Italians and their stove pipe pants. Bousfields increased their staff numbers and took on casual staff for Saturday mornings and sales.

One of the new staff members was Albert (Alby) Paull. He was employed in 1951 and except for a six months stint in National Service, Alby stayed at Bousfields until his retirement in 1998. He enjoyed the personal relationship with the customer together with the emphasis placed on customer service.

Frank Bousfield like his father before him, was an active member of the Baptist Church, and he maintained the Christian values introduced into the business by T.P. Bousfield. It was these values that Alby, Laurie Haskell and other staff members saw as important in
their relationship with the customers.

Frank took time to write and publish the history of the Baptist Church in
Fremantle. He was active in civic affairs combining with other businessmen to establish Fremantle Cash Orders. People on a low income could obtain an order for a certain amount, use it to buy goods in nominated shops and payoff the order at aminimum amount.

Bousfields had a Thrift Account in which customers could place whatever amount they could afford and use that amount to buy goods. Regular customers were able to take clothes home on approval, to see if they were suitable and return them in a few days. These measures were slanted towards the customers rather than profit margin.
At times people who were down on their luck would come into the shop, asking
for money. Rather than give money, which might be wasted, Frank Bousfield or Laurie Haskell would take the person to a cafe in Market Street and buy them a meal.
A female customer remembers the time when she fell outside the Commonwealth Bank in Fremantle on the opposite side of High Street to Bousfields, twisting her ankle.

Alby Paull came to her rescue and drove her home. It is generous acts such as these that have earned the staff at Bousfields a reputation for kindness and consideration to all.

In 1958 Maxwell Bousfield joined his father in the business. Max had spent 6 years in the employ of Worths and Boans menswear departments learning the clothing trade. His father had done the same in order to work with T.P. Bousfield. Max brought new ideas to the firm, changing some of the book-keeping systems and the birthday messages. Bousfields was a forward looking firm, not afraid to introduce new technology or systems. The 1970’s – 80’s saw many changes in the social and economic systems. Re- structuring on the waterfront saw a decline of ‘wharfies’ employed, which meant a loss
of business, as many shopped at Bousfields. Some changes in seaman’s clothing issues also had an effect. The America’s Cup Race brought as many problems as it did extra
business – shoplifting increased. Gradual demise of local warehouses to eastern states interests changed the ordering process.

Each year Bousfields would supply a number of local schools with their uniforms.
This was a profitable venture, bringing customers into the shop to order the uniforms.
The introduction of Parents and Citizens groups supplying the uniforms themselves eventually saw decline in the amount of stock held, until it was no longer fmancially viable to continue.

Increase in the number of shopping centres, such as Booragoon, with free parking
resulted in many Fremantle shoppers using those facilities. Parking problems in Fremantle have been a source of concern to all business’s for many years.
De-regulation of hours have caused major upsets in staff rosters, changed customer shopping patterns, and done little to improve business. It would appear that
only major stores such as Myer, Aherns have gained any benefit with the new hours.
Goods and Services Tax introduced in 2000 is proving to have a negative effect on business, though this may only be short term.

A major change was the retirement of Alby Paull, with ownership going to Bruce Haskell in 1999. For the first time in 94 years the Bousfield family no longer have a connection to the business, apart from the name. What has not changed is the way the
business is run. According to a customer, ” the atmosphere is still the same since Bruce took over, cost and quality have been maintained and the staff welcome you.’? Due to decline in business, staff numbers have been static. Alby was not replaced and casual staff have not been employed. Jo-Anne and Bruce Haskell and two senior long-term employees represent the staff quota at the moment. In 1969 Ron Abernethy joined the staff and Ray Whincop was employed in 1981. Between them they know the business inside out and form a supportive and stable base to the business. In an interview Laurie Haskell said, “We’ve always tried to run the store on
Christian principles. The shop has been through plenty of hard times as well as good, but our doors are still open through the grace of God” The future has some problems to overcome, but Bousfields is a good business, with solid economic management and an excellent reputation within the community.

Unfortunately
Bousfields, a well-established men’s clothing store, has announced its closure after 121 years of operation. The shop, known for its high-quality men’s apparel and impeccable customer service, has been a longstanding fixture in the community, having served generations of discerning gentlemen. The store blamed the ongoing pandemic and a decline in foot traffic for its decision to close its doors permanently.

Bousfields will be missed for its classic, timeless style, expert tailoring, and exceptional customer care that has kept customers coming back for over a century.

Its closure represents a significant loss for the local retail scene and the end of an era in the history of men’s fashion.

Established 1902 – 22nd March 2023