William Andrews, and his wife Mildred Hannah, came to Dagenham from Colchester in 1927. They went on to open an outfitters and general merchants shop, known as Andrews Stores on 445 Becontree Avenue, Dagenham. Mr W. Andrews, who was also one of the founders of the Becontree Heath Baptist Church, died at the age of 44 on 9 February 1936. In turn his wife, with the help of her son, Raymond, took control of the business and formed M. H. Andrews & Sons Ltd in 1942.
The family also owned a shop at 452 Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, which was used as a lock up to store sandbags and other air-raid precaution equipment during the Second World War. On his release from military service with the Royal Air Force, Norman W. Andrews, the second son of William and Mildred Hannah Andrews, was given permission to sell utility furniture at these premises. In 1952 he acquired 450 Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, which meant the shop occupied the whole corner of the junction with Valence Avenue.
As the twentieth century progressed the store continued to expand and improve, building a furniture extension in 1955 and refurbishing the shop front in 1958. In addition to this the range of products was expanded to include, domestic appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and refrigerators, as well as radio and television sets. Norman William Andrews retired as Joint Managing Director of N. W. Andrews & Co Ltd in 1984.
From the guide to the Andrews Collection, 1925-2000, (Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre)
