From Strength to Strength

Caper's started in 1998 in a factory unit in Kilwinning by Harold and Margery Lewis. A reasonable sized factory, plenty of machinery – but no work. The first week they managed to achieve something in the region of £40!

Nothing lost, nothing gained, they decided to arrange a leaflet drop and (although the person who was supposed to deliver them in many cases did not do so – apparently many were found dumped behind a hedge) trade started to pick up. In fact it picked up to such an extent that a young girl had to be employed. Margery went on a dry cleaning course (somewhere on the south coast) and they were then able to offer dry cleaning as well and laundry and ironing. Trade continued to expand and a new partner, Harold and Margery's son, Michael, was added to the team.

Another member of the family designed a simple logo and that is when the Caper's brand formally came into being.

Shortly after this Harold noticed a business for sale in Saltcoats which he thought would be good for the business as it would provide a hight street presence. This was the first such acquisition. Outlets in Ayr, Kilmarnock, Paisley and Glasgow followed.

And that is pretty much where things still stand today. Kilwinning is still where the dry cleaning operation is centralised, taking the cleaning for all the other branches. All alterations are taken over to the Kilmarnock shop where Caper's employ a seamstress. Each shop does its own laundry and ironing.

Though Caper's has expanded from its humble beginnings, this family business is proud to have kept the friendly approach to their customers which they have maintained over the years, serving the local communities here in the west of Scotland.