Pauline May Ltd was established in 1992 by the current Managing Director Pauline Sargeant. Pauline identified a niche market for the supply of competitively priced fashionable clothing for the elderly in Residential and Nursing homes.
As many of the residents were infirm and could not get out to the shops Pauline decided to take the shop to the customers.
Initially a range of stock was purchased covering underwear, lingerie, hosiery, and daywear for both ladies and gentlemen and presented to Residential Homes where an afternoon sale was held. These sales were professionally publicised prior to the event to ensure good attendance.
It quickly became apparent that the only clothing available from existing suppliers was dull and dowdy and could not be obtained in the very small and large sizes that were required. Accordingly Pauline set about sourcing new fabrics, designing new styles and devising a unique sizing system which covered sizes from extra extra small to extra extra large and thus the "UNIQUE COLLECTION" was born. The company is so confident about the quality of its range that it offers an unconditional money back guarantee on every garment. Most items are labelled with the Pauline May brand wich has the provision for adding the wearer's name and room number, thus saving the care home valuable time by eliminating the need to sew in identity tags.
The Pauline May range of clothing is produced in fabrics which are fashionable, crease resistant, virtually non iron and can be washed in the heavy duty machines that are used in care establishments. The brand quickly established itself, and the company expanded by employing sales representatives in many areas around the country.
In 1995 Pauline May appeared on Yorkshire Television's Enterprise 95 competition and was only beaten by the eventual winners. This exposed the company to a wide audience and enquiries flooded in.
In 1999 Pauline May appeared in a five minute dedicated fashion slot on the nightly 'Tonight' show and this again increased company awareness with a predictable commercial benefit.
Pauline May now has its own 46 page catalogue and operates a mail order division which caters for the housebound. The company also works with social service departments by visiting housebound customers on a one to one basis.
Pauline May Ltd is currently offering franchises to suitably qualified entrepreneurs to exclusively operate the business in specific locations throughout the UK. The company has a highly successful business blueprint and, together with its franchisees, is perfectly positioned to become the Premier supplier of clothing to the elderly.