Mount Maunganui shop Robertsons Menswear celebrates 40 years trading

When Charlie Robertson hit the Mount 40 years ago to take over a menswear store, he owned five stylish suits and there were still houses in the middle of the main street.

The sleepy seaside suburb was ''pretty sparse'' and ''laidback'' so the suits were first to go, but his enthusiasm for the Bay has never wavered.

''I always remember if I wore a suit to work, everyone would ask if I was going to a funeral or off to see a lawyer so I gave them away.''

He learned his trade in Taihape after moving to Australia and back again, taking up a sales position both his brothers had held.

Robertsons Menswear is celebrating 40 years in business at Mount Maunganui and while fashion has changed its customer service hasn't. Photo / Supplied

''Sticking to your knitting'' was Charlie's secret to Robertsons Menswear's success.

"Do what you do well and don't get distracted.''

Celebrating 40 years as the longest-standing business on the street was a major milestone and he said good customer service was paramount.

Fashion trends come and go and, in the 70s, Charlie thought he looked pretty cool in bell bottom pants and 24-inch platform shoes with hair down to his waist.

''I've seen it all and sometimes if you hold on to something long enough, they will come back into fashion.''

His son Jamie, who has taken over the reins, disagrees: ''They never will.''

He had been in the shop ''since I was in nappies'' and said they tried changing the locks but his father keeps coming to work.

Joking aside, Jamie believes they are a good team and said his father is his best mate.

Charlie Robertson from Robertsons Menswear has handed over the running of the business to son Jamie. Photo / George Novak

Today Charlie is wearing a burgundy polka-dot shirt and fitted khaki jeans with a brown belt and matching leather shoes.

Robertsons Menswear is a ''middle of the road'' shop, he said, that stocks great labels as well as sizes for extra large men.

''I've noticed a lot of Kiwis are getting bigger and sometimes the shirts are getting smaller.''

Charlie said he was fortunate to have Jamie on board because ''he has the energy and sees things differently''.

The Mount had also evolved over four decades, becoming a "mini Surfers Paradise".

''It's not to the same degree, but it's a destination point and people love wandering around the shops.''

However, Charlie had one big gripe. He said one of the worst things to happen was the redevelopment of the Phoenix carpark.

He said the ramifications were real and some businesses were hurting.

Nowadays, Charlie decides on his own hours and enjoys playing a bit of golf.

Mount Mainstreet manager Ingrid Flemming said Charlie is one of those resilient characters who can tough out the dips and hurdles all businesses experience during a 40-year period.

''Charlie, Jamie and the team have kept up with clothing trends and people's needs. They have exceptional service and it's that personal welcoming service that creates enduring customers and, of course, makes good friends.''