Long serving salesman, Peter Ellis, is hanging up his many coats of many colours this Christmas as his retirement is announced after 55 years in the business.
One of the best known characters in the lingerie business, Peter has worked with a number of leading underwear and nightwear brands including Aubade, NS Waite and most recently Miraclesuit and Patricia Eve Agencies.
His peers look back on his long and most definitely ‘colourful’ career. Jemma Barnes worked with him at Aubade: “He is probably the most ‘dapper man’ in the industry with his coloured jackets and matching ties and hankies. He is a true gentleman and adored by his customers. He loves to holiday in France, spend time with his grandchildren, drink red wine and eat good food! – not necessarily in that order!.”
Tony Waite of N S Waite comments: “One can rightfully call Peter ‘ a man with a jacket for all seasons with hair to match!. He is very talented but always humble, meticulous and always gracious. He will be greatly missed as a work colleague and a friend.”
Julie Robb has known Peter for many years: “In my career I have met many salespeople but I have never met a gent who equals Peter. His unique gift of gentle selling I believe stems from his very real love of this industry, the products and the people in it. His emotional commitment goes far beyond the call of duty as his customers will testify. His love of all things beautiful (including ties and jackets) gives him a visual and truly interesting edge. His main appeal however is his integrity which we will all miss greatly. I for one am losing a trusted business buddy but hopefully retaining his lifelong friendship.”
Peter most recently worked for Patricia Eve and Chris Eve adds: “I first met him when we used to sell Miss Elaine and he always sold nightwear very well – he had a whole van of nightwear samples and racked or railed them out in his house (which his wife hated!). His colourful dress sense has his customers guessing which outfit he would be wearing that day. Complemented by his calm and softly spoken approach, he will be sorely missed from the business.”
And it is not just the brands he worked with that speak so highly of Peter, his customers love his approach and manner. Tessa Brand of the Dressing Room in Bath, says: “I have worked with Peter since I first took over The Dressing Room nearly 16 years ago and he has been consistently reliable, warm and above all, professional at all times. He has to win the prize for the most dapper gentleman in women’s underwear (!) and I have a great affection for him. Peter will definitely leave a gap in the landscape and his bright white hair and sartorial style will be sorely missed.”
Sandra Davies of Sandra Dee comments: “I cannot remember exactly when I first met Peter but I think it was in the mid 80’s when I started to buy Aubade from him (I had purchased a set in Galeries Lafayette some months before and thought it was a make I should stock). We have all found Peter to be totally honest, straightforward and never pushy – always ready to find us a piece of stock that we might need. Over the years we have bought from him Aubade, Waites nightwear and various makes from the Patricia Eve company and probably others I have forgotten! Sartorial dressing is his forte and his matching jackets and ties always meet with our approval! We are greatly going to miss such a gentleman!”
