Brighton: Longstanding clothing store owner Gary Gordon retiring

Gary Gordon, from Hove, has run various clothing and shoe shops across Brighton since the 1970s.

The 73-year-old said he started when he left school at 14 and worked at market stalls with his father Jack Gordon around Brighton.

He took over from his dad when he was just 21 at their first shop in Broad Street, Seaford, in the early 70s.

Gary moved on to various shops in Brighton but was best known for his shop in North Street called Target, as well as Jean Market and Offshore.

Gary Gordon and Helen Gordon outside their shop (Image: The Argus)

He has decided to retire at the end of June after running shops for the last 50 years. His current shop DC is in Duke Street, Brighton.

“I don’t want to close, I have been doing it since I was 14,” said Gary.

“We have had 12 shops in Brighton. We were the first people to sell Levi’s in the city. We were there before Churchill Square.

“If I had my way I would stay open but there comes a point where you need to have the quality of life.

“The lease runs out in July and it was the question of do I want to renew it?

“I was dreading putting the closing sign up because customers have been coming in and asking if I’m really closing.

Gary and Helen Gordon in 1993 (Image: Helen Gordon)

“Our first shop was in Seaford, then we had one in Circus Parade in Brighton.

“I took over from my dad when I was about 21, I had hair back then.

“We have had many famous customers. Paul McCartney came in, Katie Price, Tony Hawk.

“I’m looking forward to more free time with my beautiful wife, get an electric bike, watch the Albion more. I want to wake up in the morning with freedom.”

Gary said some of his shops have been in Cranbourne Street, Duke Street, Gardner Street, North Street and opposite the Clock Tower.

The shop sells skateboards, skating clothing and footwear (Image: The Argus)

His wife of 30 years and business partner Helen, 59, said: “He is working seven days a week because we can’t pay for staff now.

“The lease ends in July and it was like now is the time to hang up the boots.

“People come to see Gary, he’s a character and the customer gets an experience.

“People will be really sad to see him closing.

“I am excited because from my perspective I do juggle all the accounts. It’s not pleasurable anymore. At the end of the week we’re thinking ‘how can I pay this bill?’

“We manage but we have done our bit.

Gary Gordon said customers have included pro skater Tony Hawk and former model Katie Price (Image: The Argus)

“In the 50 plus years, Gary has never stopped and never taken a break. He has always had a shop in Brighton.

“Gary has always employed youngsters and given them skills, how to sell and how to treat the customer.”

“Everybody knows Gary. His most known thing was his shop Target in North Street.”

The shop is currently selling stock for a discount before it shuts for good at the end of June.