Shop celebrates 40 years of trading in Hailsham

The MFC Store is a part of history in Hailsham, and this year marks 40 Years since the company started trading in the town.

Hailsham News wanted to find out the secret to the company’s success and how the business came about four decades ago...

The business was establied in 1981 by Michael Frank Callaway (MFC/ Mick) and his family, wife Shirley, his three sons Dave, Rob and Ben, along with three of his sisters Jill, June and Julie who have all helped to build the company into what it is today.

MFC Supplies was sited at 13 Station Road for 13 years before moving to the much larger premises with the purchase of 9 Station Road.

Additional stores were added in Eastbourne, Sidley and Uckfield over the years.

Initially supplying army surplus and workwear, other ranges were quickly added as the business grew and the move into the larger premises, allowed the addition of camping equipment.

Fieldsports equipment including Airguns from major brands such as Hailsham based AirArms, archery, lamping, ferreting, catapults, ammunition and cartridges were added upon the closure of neighbouring business Sussex Armoury.

Fishing tackle has been a more recent addition to the store’s range of products. It now makes up a large part of the business, stocking some of the biggest and best known brands, Nash, Sonik, Kodex, Middy, Crafty, Gardener, NGT, to name just a few. This range is constantly growing with the addition of ESP and Drennan in recent weeks.

Tragically, Mick was killed in a road accident in 2000.This left the family to run the business with a huge amount of support from friends and customers of the local community - for this they will be forever grateful.

Only the Hailsham store remains which is run by Mick’s youngest son Ben and his wife Sarah, with a dedicated staff of Clive Kidman (30 years service) and Tina Hadley (20 years service) without whom it just would not be possible. The Callaway family would like to express their gratitude to them both.

Ben Callaway told Hailsham News: “2021 marks the 40th anniversary of MFC, something at times we would never have imagined possible. The business has had its ups and downs along with some very hard times.”

To celebrate the anniversary the store at 9 Station Road has seen a complete facelift to see it into the next 40 years and beyond.

The shop is also offering upto 40% off selected lines for 40 days to celebrate.