Republic founder Robin Bray dies
- Published: 26 June 2008 10:13
- Author: Jessica Price Brown
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- Last Updated: 26 June 2008 10:35
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Robin Bray, one of the founding directors of Leeds-based jeanery Best Trading Co, which later evolved into branded chain Republic, has died.
Bray passed away on Monday aged 57 from a long term illness.
Bray founded the business with Carl Brewins and Howard Brealey in 1986.
Initially Bray continued working as an agent while Brewin ran the business. As the store took off Bray joined the business full time and was heavily involved in the buying operation with Brewins.
Bray was also integral to the creation of the Republic concept which the trio trialled in Meadowhall in Sheffield, before pushing the button on a roll out.
Bray left Republic in 2002 following a management buyout. The business had sales of around £60 million at that time.
Brewins said: "My endearing memory of Robin was that he could talk to everyone from the guys in the warehouse who adored him, to the guys running Diesel at the time or the bank manager. He was a great guy with a real zest for life."
Bray's funeral will take place on July 7 at 11am at St Mary's Church, Boston Spa, near Leeds.
Drapers will publish a full obituary for Robin Bray in next weeks' magazine. Please share your memories or post your tribute to Robin in the comment box below.
