In 1959 Cyril Carr set up one of Blackpool’s first men’s fashion retail shops in Church Street opposite the Winter Gardens. During those times it was a revelation to see men wearing colourful and stylish clothing as the larger stores were unable to keep up with the fashion trends. Diana Warren was launched in 1964. For 21 years they successfully traded from 88 Church Street until 1980 when the company moved to The Hounds Hill Shopping Centre when it was first opened.
Tony Carr at the SELNET Awards, Crow Wood Hotel & Spa, Burnley 2 December 2021 ©Andy Ford
At that point, Anthony (Tony) Carr took over the company which had already expanded to open branches in St Annes Square, Manchester, and The Grosvenor Precinct in Chester City Centre. The family moved to Blackpool in 1957 when Tony was 8 years old. Further expansion took place in the 80’s with another menswear discount store called Merchantman opening on Talbot Road Blackpool in the former NORWEB shop. Tony Carr took over the Diana Warren brand and opened a ladies fashion store next to Boston Mans Shop where they traded until their final move to Birley Street in the 90’s until the company finally closed its doors 2001.
Boston Man shop on the Promenade
Diana Warren shop taken circa 1985
Text source: written by Tony Carr for Blackpool Timeline
Images by © Provided by Tony Carr
