“Welcome to the Gardners, Spitalfields oldest traditional family business”

(Scroll to the base to see images of Gardners' throughout the years)

History

Gardners story begins with Paul’s Great Grandad James. James initially decided to set up a business specialising in scale repairs, catering for the many market traders working within Spitalfields at the time. This business prospered during these times and prided itself on its customer service and product knowledge.

Four generations later much of Gardners remains the same. Paul Gardner has followed in the footsteps of his ancestors James, John, Bertie, Roy and Vera in keeping the family business alive, much to the delight of many of the local residents.

Gardners has been attracting much media publicity recently, forming a key part of the recently published Spitalfields Life book as well as featuring on BBC London news, BBC London Radio, the East London film festival and The Monocle radiostation.

Our Values

Like many traditional family businesses Gardners customer service and product knowledge is second to none. Paul has been working in the business for over forty years and during this time he has built up extensive knowledge of the industry. Whether you’re a new business starting up, an established one looking for a new product or a one off buyer Paul can give you the help and advice you need in a friendly informal manner.

Gardners also has the advantage of being able to sell its products in small quantities. The reason why so many market traders are attracted to Gardners is because they are able to buy small quantities of goods at affordable prices, something many other business are unable to do.

Testimonials

 Susan: “It’s like the old curiosity shop it’s something out of Dickens. That’s why Paul’s shop is so popular because you won’t go anywhere else and walk into a shop like it. You just won’t. It’s so old fashioned that’s part of the charm about it”

The Gentle Author: “You haven’t been to Spitalfields unless you’ve shaken Paul’s hand”

Paul: “I get people coming in who’ve not been in for 20 years and they’re amazed and happy to see I’m still there. They’ll say blimey your still here I was wondering whether you’d still survived as it’s changed so much”

Top Image: Paul's grandfather Bertie Gardner, standing with Roy Gardner outside

the shop, around 1930.

Second Image: Roy, now a grown man standing outside the shop just after World

War Two in 1947.

Third Image: Paul Gardner, outside the shop as it is today in 2012