business focus
Gache:
vision for the future
With a history which dates back 180 years, Gache has just re-opened its premises at 266 Main Street with a smart, modern look with just a touch of the past. Gache Opticians is a family run business established in 1830, and one of Gibraltar’s oldest businesses. Now in its 180th year, it started as an opticians, watch and clock-makers. Over the years the watch and clock-making trade was lost, but the opticians side of the business stayed and grew. The Gache family came from Puerto Mahon in Menorca — a French colony before it was taken over by the British. Just like so many immigrants in the early 19th century, the Gache family was looking for a new life under the protection of the British Garrison in Gibraltar. Having been established in 1830
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by Vincente Gache, the business didn’t really take off until Vincente’s son Joseph Gache came along. Born in 1837 Joseph eventually became a talented optician and clock-maker, learning his trade in Barcelona. In 1861 Joseph married and went on the have three children — two boys and one girl — Alfred, Albert E and Leopoldina. In 1887 his two sons opened their own branch on Main Street. When Alfred died his only surviving son, Joseph took his place as partner with his uncle Albert E., but unfortunately the partnership broke up in 1918. A year later, Albert E. reopened the business at 247 Main Street, only to go bankrupt
in 1927. However, his son Albert J. re-opened the business on 10th August 1934 at 266 Main Street, the same premises used today. As with all businesses, Gache had its ups and downs but, with a commitment and determination to provide the best service possible, this family business has become a household name in the community. 180 years on the business is still run by the family, and Ronnie jnr is proud that the Main Street premises, on the corner of Cathedral Square, has recently been refurbished with a modern and more spacious layout to better serve customers. “We have retained a couple of the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2010