Slowhand and Cordings

[couch]

Just back from a couple of weeks in London, which was full of delights as always. I stopped into Cordings to pick up a couple of things, and was told this story by one of the senior sales staff, whose name escapes me at the moment. I can't vouch for any of it, but have no reason to doubt its veracity . . . .

Apparently Eric Clapton, a regular customer, was in some time ago to buy four covert coats, so he and his wife could stash them at their various residences to save packing and hauling. Making conversation, the Cordings man mentioned that the owner was retiring and planning to sell the store. It seems Ralph Lauren, among others, had paid a few visits prior to preparing an offer. Who knew what direction things would take? Clapton reportedly became very quiet, and then said, "Tell him not to do anything until he hears from me." He left in a hurry after paying for the coats. Two days later he was back, having arranged financing, and my interlocutor was asked to come witness the signing of the agreement of sale. He reported that Clapton now owns a 60% share of the business, with a physician partner, if I remember correctly, taking the balance. He said Clapton claimed to have bought the place so it would be the same shop when his kids grew up as the one he had always known. In response to my question, the Cordings man ruefully admitted he had not received a broker's fee.

I guess, whatever his other demons, Slowhand remains a respecter of tradition, in country kit as in blues . . . .

[JamesT1]

Interesting story. I'm glad he decided to keep the store the way it is.

James

[jekarwoski]

I remember reading about this last year...here's a recent public update:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/artic ... 68,00.html

It looks as if Cordings still has the cream of the crop.