One of Sunderland’s best-loved businesses has been bought by former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley’s company. Menswear specialist Aphrodite has been taken over by the Frasers Group, which includes Sports Direct, House of Fraser and Flannels. Aphrodite, which has traded from its Vine Place store for 30 years, sells top brands including Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, and Hugo Boss. The business was founded by brothers Andy and Duncan McKenzie in September 1994, when Andy was 21 and Duncan was 19.... Read this story
