umbrella in exchange for a 'free' Kendella Weather House. The company remained in family ownership until 1977 when it was bought by Combined English Stores. In 1981 it was sold to Hepworth and Sons a tailors company from Leeds, who embarked on converting all the Kendall stores to the Next brand. This was completed by 1984. References External links Kendall and Sons history website Next Group history Encyclopaedia of company histories Ladies wear Manufacturers Men’s wear suppliers Time when 'Kendall's kept the country dry' Article from the Leicester Mercury Clothing companies disestablished in 1982 Defunct retail companies of the United Kingdom Fashion accessory companies Companies based in Leicester Companies established in 1870 Umbrella manufacturers Retail companies established in 1870 1870s fashion