Wigan family celebrates 35 years of serving the community
A Wigan family is celebrating a major milestone this year as Specsavers celebrates 35 years of service in Wigan.
The Gardner family first opened their Specsavers store in Wigan in 1990 and has grown their venture into a three-store operation across Wigan, Skelmersdale and Ashton-in-Makerfield.
Over three decades later, Graeme, his wife Sue and their two children, Tim and Laura, all work together as equal partners and directors of the stores.
For the family, the anniversary was about more than their personal success.
Laura Gardner said: “Reaching 35 years is an incredible milestone for my dad and for all of us as a family.
"To be able to work alongside him and my family, serving the communities where we grew up, is something I'm incredibly proud of. We're not just opticians, we're part of the fabric of Wigan, Skelmersdale and Ashton and we're committed to being here for the next 35 years and beyond.”
The Wigan store has become a familiar fixture on the high street, with the team regularly supporting local schools and young people.
Staff deliver presentations in primary schools, offer work experience placements and provide interview skills workshops to help those considering a career in optics.
Graeme Gardner said: ‘Seeing my children working alongside me in the business is incredibly fulfilling.
"What started as one store has become a family legacy.
"They've brought fresh energy and new ideas while maintaining the values that have always been important to us, putting customers first and being part of the community we serve.’
The family connection in the Wigan store extends beyond the directors.
Manager Abi Broxson works alongside her partner Harri Chapman, an audiologist.
Administrator Jade Darbyshire works with her partner, Josh Hawkes, a lab technician.
Optical assistant Kany Hameed works with her brother Gara Hameed, as well as lab assistants Wayne Oare and Wellington Oare.
In the Skelmersdale branch, store manager Sohail Nadeem works alongside his cousin Urooj Nasir, an optometrist.
Today, the family employs 98 staff across its three stores. In Wigan alone, the team includes couples, siblings and relatives working together, creating what the family describes as a close-knit, community-first workplace.
Looking ahead, the family remains committed to providing the highest standards of eye and ear care across all three stores while continuing to support and invest in their communities.