John George Sears
John George Sears (1870–1916) was a shoe manufacturer and the founder of Sears plc, which was one of the United Kingdom's largest retail businesses.
Career
[edit]Born in Northampton and educated at the local elementary school, John Sears became an apprentice with the Manfield Company.[1] In 1891 he set up his own business as a boot-maker with the help of his younger brother, William, trading under the name J. Sears & Co.[1] In 1897 he opened his first retail outlet and by 1900 he had established his first shop in London.[1] He expanded the business rapidly particularly on the retail side and soon had 2,000 shops branded as Trueform.[2]
In 1913 he bought Collingtree Grange in Northamptonshire.[1] The House was demolished in the mid-20th century and the grounds now form part of Collingtree Park with a golf course. He died in 1916 at the early age of 46 and is buried at St.Columba's Church in Collingtree.[1]
Family
[edit]In 1896 he married Caroline Wooding and they had a daughter and two sons.[1]
References
[edit]
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