Bedford
Shops - General
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Where to buy at Bedford: an illustrated local review
1891
(Extracts)
Bedford Premier Shops
Messrs. Underwood and Banks,
Wholesale and Retail Clothiers, Tailors, Hatters, and General Outfitters,
41, High Street.
The varied population of Bedford finds employment for many first-class tailors, prominent among whom are the firm of Messrs. Underwood and Banks. This business was established a century ago, when the now fashionable town was but a village of some four thousand inhabitants, and may fairly claim to have grown with the place, and to be identified with its interests and success.
The premises, No.41, High Street, are very central,
and possess a fine frontage, with handsome plate-glass windows, always
well-dressed, and consist of the well- lighted shop, suitably appointed
fitting-rooms, showrooms, and spacious work-rooms, with every facility for
the prompt execution of orders. Our illustration will shew the attractive
nature of the exterior, which is a conspicuous object of the fine
thoroughfare in which the house is situated. Messrs. Underwood and Banks
have, in the course of their experience with the trade, worked up an
important connection in the town and surrounding district, and are able to
grasp the ideas of their customers, and to give them practical development
in the form of well-fitting garments. To this end a stock of materials of
great variety is needed, and in order to secure the permanent satisfaction
of customers, excellence in quality must be made the first study. During
our recent visit to the establishment we were shown a very comprehensive
stock of cloths, including West of England goods, Scotch tweeds, Meltons, angolas, and a well selected show of durable materials suitable for almost any
class of wear. The workmanship observable in the finished productions of
the house leaves nothing to be desired, every detail receiving close and
careful attention. An outfitting business is to some extent necessarily
associated with that of a tailor, and in addition to the display of
woollen materials of every description, there is a large stock of hosiery,
collars, gloves, ties, shirts, silk and cambric handkerchiefs, hard and
soft felt, silk and straw hats, rugs, waterproofs, mackintoshes, dust
coats, umbrellas, and other travelling impedimenta selected from the best
makers. In a district so famous for its scholastic institutions, which are
continually on the increase, great attention is paid to the department for
juvenile clothing, both in ready-made and bespoke goods, and parents
desiring their children to be clad in the most serviceable, suitable, and
well-fitting apparel, will act wisely in paying a visit to this
establishment. Costumes and requisites for lawn-tennis, boating, football,
cricketing, and cycling are strongly in evidence; and there is also a
considerable stock of goods suitable to an agricultural population. The
quality of all goods sold have contributed to the extensive connection,
which includes customers from all parts of the town and neighbourhood.
Page last updated: 22nd January 2014