Robert
Joseph Stewart founded Bob Stewart Pty
Ltd in 1925. Robert, a keen sportsman,
was secretary of the Hawthorn district
football club in the 1920’s. He
died suddenly in 1931 leaving the then
debt-ridden business to his wife Anne
and baby son Robert Francis. Against
the advice of family and friends, and
in defiance of the social expectations
of the time, Anne decided to take over
the running of the business. Her determination,
courage, and hard work enabled her to
pay off the debts and successfully steer
the business through both the Great
Depression, and the rationing and shortages
during the Second World War.
Robert
& Francis Stewart
In 1948 Robert Francis joined his mother
in the business. In the 1960’s
he led the business in a new direction.
Initially by his decision to stock school
uniform, and later by moving the store
to much larger premises in 1969. Through
the 1970’s and 1980’s the
business continued to grow steadily
under his astute management.
In 1991 Robert Matthew joined his father
in the business followed shortly after
by Francis John. The 1990’s became
a time of rapid growth for the business,
with several new schools, and many new
families, becoming part of the Bob Stewart
story.
In
2000/01 Robert and Francis, with support and
advice from their Father, undertook a substantial
expansion and refurbishment of the store.
2002/03 saw the implementation of leading
edge information technology to enable the
company to further improve its customer service
capabilities. In 2004/5 further information
technology development and a substantial expansion
of the business’ logistics and warehousing
capabilities have greatly enhanced the company’s
ability to service on campus stores.
We
all look forward enthusiastically to the challenges
the future will bring!
