DR VERA M WEISFELD OBE RECEIVING HER AWARD FOR BIG-HEARTED BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR.Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdA retail mogul who transformed Scotland’s fashion landscape has passed away at the age of 87.
Vera Weisfeld, known for founding the discount clothing chain What Everyone Wants alongside her husband Gerald, was a pioneering figure in the industry.
Vera and her husband Gerald created What Everyone WantsCredit: BBC
Long before the emergence of brands like Primark, Matalan, and TK Maxx, their budget chain was celebrated for offering the latest fashion trends at accessible prices.
At the peak of their success, the couple sold their business for £50 million in 1990 and generously donated millions to charitable causes over the years.
A spokesperson stated, "Vera passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Thursday night."
Born in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Vera grew up in her family's basement flat, which lacked electricity and an indoor toilet.
Despite her wealth potentially affording her stays in some of the world’s most luxurious accommodations, she firmly believed that no place could compare to her first home.
Vera began her career on the high street at C&A on Glasgow’s Argyle Street, quickly advancing from a 15-year-old junior to head of the branch’s 'Marking Off' room within just a year.
Two decades later, she initially declined Gerald's offer to co-run the first What Everyone Wants store.
She told him, "You can’t afford me."
However, he eventually persuaded her to join him, and together they created a high street sensation.
Comedian Billy Connolly opened one of their branches, and the stores became renowned for their iconic purple carrier bags and advertisements featuring Status Quo’s hit song "Whatever You Want."
At its peak, the chain boasted 40 stores, employed 200 people, and generated an annual turnover exceeding £100 million.
After selling the business for what was considered a record price for a Scottish fashion enterprise, Vera and her husband hosted an extravagant celebration for their employees and celebrities.
The philanthropic couple established The Weisfeld Foundation, donating a significant portion of their wealth to various charitable initiatives.
In 1994, they traveled to Bosnia to oversee the distribution of aid to refugees of the Balkans War, despite warnings from the Foreign Office against all travel.
They also set up homes for children with HIV in Romania, who had been rejected by their families.
Gerald passed away five years ago at the age of 79 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He spent time in care facilities in Bothwell and Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.
Vera Weisfeld has passed away at the age of 87Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vera Weisfeld?
Vera Weisfeld was a prominent retail entrepreneur who co-founded the discount clothing chain What Everyone Wants, significantly impacting the Scottish fashion industry.
What was the impact of What Everyone Wants?
What Everyone Wants was known for making the latest fashion trends accessible at low prices, paving the way for future budget retailers in Scotland.
What charitable work did Vera and Gerald Weisfeld do?
The Weisfelds established The Weisfeld Foundation and donated millions to various causes, including aid for refugees and support for children with HIV in Romania.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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