It was April 1926 when Albert Fowler Joy obtained the premises at 35 North Street, in Wareham. Immediately following this acquisition Mr. Joy began retailing menswear. Being a well known local man, and a lay preacher in the local churches he soon established an honest, successful, and profitable business.
Merville Gover who joined the firm in 1965 is now in charge of all retail operations. Merville being one of the local churchwardens continues the Christian connection and fellowship that is found in smaller communities.
The business has grown from those early days to one of the most recognised menswear establishments in the area; we feel we have moved forward through the decades and into the twenty first century with style, quality, and service, but most importantly not loosing those early values installed by Mr. Joy.
There has been three expansion programmes in past years, in 1956, 1976, and in 1986, all involved in making the premises larger, with various refits to accommodate and to make available to our customers the ever increasing range of mens merchandise.
We stock brand names such as Van Heusen, Vyella, Peter England, Laine Tailor, Double Two, Wrangler, Tootal, Wolsey, Jockey, HJ Socks, Franco Ponti, Farah, Gurteen, Label, Daniel Drescott, Mode, and Brook Tavener, to name just a few.
One of our more successful editions was when Tim Audley joined the Company in 1983. Tim has put together a complete hire service, which includes full evening, and morning outfits with accessories. Morning outfits are available both in traditional top hat and tails, and the more modern frock coats. Tim now managing this department has built a reputation near and far with his unique, honest, and caring approach.
Our latest addition is the production of this A.F.Joy web site, offering at present a range of men's accessories, but we are determined to expand the site to accommodate a larger view of the merchandise available, which you can confidently purchase from our web site, or from our premises here in Wareham.