Storktown family toy and pram business to close after almost 80 years

After fighting in the Second World War in Italy and North Africa, James Latham used his previous experience as a cabinet maker to launch a baby goods business along Twist Lane in Leigh back in 1946.

Due to the rapid success of the 'Storktown Nurseryland', Mr Latham expanded to open similar shops on Market Street in the 1950s, Silk Street in the 1960s, and diversified to open the 'Ladybird' childrenswear shop and 'Latham of Leigh' cycle shop on Railway Road in the 1970s.

While some of these shops have long since closed, generations of Leythers have continued to call into the Silk Street Storktown over the decades, to purchase cots, prams, and toys and catch up with James, Margaret, Peter, Mark, and James.

However, in a decision that the family has not taken lightly, they have decided to close the business for good in the coming weeks, leaving Leigh without a Storktown presence for the first time since the 1930s.

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James Latham opened the first Storktown along Twist Lane in 1946 (Image: Margaret Waddelove) Latham of Leigh sold cycle goods while Ladybird sold children's wear (Image: Margaret Waddelove) Admitting that it was an extremely difficult decision to close the family business, Margaret Waddelove and her son James said there are several reasons behind the call, such as the age and health of some of their family members.

After battling through covid and the cost of living crisis, and competing with online shopping and retail parks, the family also explained that it has been a struggle to attract as many customers as they used to enjoy in Leigh town centre.

Nevertheless, while the family believes that it is the right time to call it a day, they have been overwhelmed by the response from customers who have come into the shop to thank them for their service or send them messages of support.

Inside the Silk Street premises (Image: Margaret Waddelove) Some stock is discounted before the business closes for good (Image: Margaret Waddelove) Margaret, who has worked at the business for over 60 years, said: "We are so proud of the business here, because we have had such loyal customers who have come in for many years and staff members who have become friends.

"We have had some great times and really happy memories, and people have been so kind and coming in saying they will miss us.

"My dad used to help the people of Leigh with whatever they needed and I'm glad that we have carried on the business and supported the people of Leigh for so long.

"I'd like to thank all of the people who have supported and helped us over the years. I'm sad to be leaving and I would carry on and carry on if I could, but I think it's time I had a bit of a rest now."

The Silk Street Storktown opened in the 1960s (Image: Margaret Waddelove) Noting the support the family has received, James added: "I think all the messages of support show that it is not just a shop here, we are part of a community.

"We have been a part of the community of Leigh for a long, long time and we have been really happy trying to help the community the best we can.

"We have seen kids growing up and then buying things for their kids, and it's been lovely to be there for these moments. It's been a brilliant business!".

James, Margaret, and Peter outside the Silk Street toy and pram shop (Image: Margaret Waddelove) With discounts on certain products, Storktown will close by the end of this month.