Bedford
Shops - General
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Where to buy at Bedford: an illustrated local review
1891
(Extracts)
Bedford Premier Shops
Messrs. E. P. Rose and Sons, Dress and Mantle Makers, Milliners, General Drapers, Carpet Warehousemen, etc., 50, High Street.
Although the terms "London" or "Paris make" are still invested with an amount of seeming importance, it would be an unimportant town, indeed, that could not boast of establishments whose proprietors are equal to fulfilling any demands made upon them in a manner that totally dispenses with the necessity of seeking Metropolitan or Continental aid. Such an one is Messrs. E. P. Rose and Sons' ; its magnitude and the bulk of goods held is far more than proportionate to the size of the town of Bedford, and it is from wider sources than this that its support is drawn. Viewed from the High Street the fine double. fronted shop presents a good appearance, the windows giving us a knowledge of the prevailing fashions both in dress and material. Inside, the shop wears more the aspect of strict business than of elaborate show. The fittings are, of course, solid and good, but in all the various departments into which the interior is divided, the prompt and convenient despatch of business is the thing studied rather than elegant display. Upstairs in the showrooms affairs are different; in the rooms devoted to millinery, costumes, mantles, and ladies. under-clothing, the greatest good taste is shown in the arrangement of the goods, large glass show cases being provided to keep the articles free from dust, and to display their beauties to perfection. Over the showrooms are large rooms set apart for holding reserve stock. The premises extend some distance back, and that portion running down the side of the " Old George Yard " has been lately rebuilt and enlarged, affording room for ware-rooms where goods, are received and also packed, living rooms for assistants, and large work-rooms for milliners, mantlemakers, and dressmakers, etc., each department having its own work-rooms entirely separate from the others ; ninety assistants are employed in the various rooms alone. The whole of the work is under able management, the heads of the departments being thoroughly skilled in their special lines, and whether in millinery, dresses, mantles, or underclothing. Messrs. E. P. Rose and Sons' productions are chef d'oeuvres of their kind. In passing through the building we came to a room where foreign orders were being got ready for shipment ; either manufactured articles or materials are carefully packed in water-tight zinc-lined boxes, and sent to India, Africa, and America, in all of which countries Messrs. E. P. Rose and Sons have a connection. The shop has a staff of 70 assistants, and the combined mass of stock is far too large for us to attempt to detail. General drapery, Manchester goods, lace curtains, gloves, hosiery, under-clothing, dress and mantle materials, and haberdashery are some of the departments, and as each represents a most comprehensive list of goods, we will content ourselves with naming them and that alone. The firm do a large c trade in carpets, Kidderminster, Wilton, Brussels, Afghan square, and indeed every kind can be had here, with rugs, mats, borderings, etc., to match. Messrs. E. P. Rose and Sons deal with, and cater for the best people; they have, as we have said, a county, and more than a county, name, their foreign trade being considerable, and their reputation is neither easily won, nor lightly to be risked. Without elaborate show or fuss, the house holds its position as the first of its kind, and in every transaction patrons are assured of the utmost consideration and attention. Messrs. E. P. Rose and Sons offer to the fullest extent every inducement for ladies to satisfy their requirements at home rather than go further afield for what they want, and they will do well in their own interest as well as of the firm's, to take advantage of the facilities placed at their disposal.
Page last updated: 22nd January 2014