It was April 1926 when Albert Fowler Joy obtained the premises at 35 North Street, in Wareham. Immediately following this acquisition Mr.Joy began retailing menswear. Being a well known local man, and a lay preacher in the local churches he soon established an honest, successful , and profitable business. Merville Gover who joined the firm in 1965 is now in charge of all retail operations. Merville being a local lay pastor continues the Christian connection and fellowship that is found in smaller communities.
The business has grown from those early days to one of the most recognised menswear establishments in the area; we feel we have moved forward through the decades and into the twenty first century with style, quality and service, but most importantly not loosing those early values installed by Mr.Joy.
There have been three expansion programmes in past years; 1956, 1976 and in 1986, all involved in making the premises larger, with various refits to accommodate and to make available to our customers the ever increasing range of mens merchandise.
We stock brand names such as Vvyella, Rocolla, Gabbici, Peter England, Double Two, Tootal, Unico Underwear, HJ socks, Franco Ponti, Cavani, Gurteen, Label, Daniel Drescott and Brook Tavener, to name just a few!
in 2005 Zoe Gover BSC Soc joined AFJoy and now runs our hire department, which includes full evening and morning outfits and accessories. Zoe now managing this department has built a reputation near and far with her unique, honest and caring approach.
We are also proud to supply the school uniform for our local schools; Wareham St Mary Primary, St Mary and St Josepth Wool, Stoborough Primary, Corfe castle Primary and The Purbeck school.
Our latest addition is the production of this AF Joy website, offering at present information about our hire service, but we are determined to expand the site to accommodate a larger view of the merchandise available, which you can confidently purchase from our website, or from our premises here in Wareham.