James Houston

MR. JAMES HOUSTON, The Bellgroveries, 461, Gallowgate ; The Auxiliary Furniture Warehouse, 473, Gallowgate, Glasgow.

    The changes which the keenness of modern competition has made in almost all businesses have been very marked in the Scotch house-furnishing and furniture trade. The modern aspect of this department of enterprise is well represented in the two large establishments of Mr. James Houston, in Gallowgate, Glasgow. The application of labour-saving and improved machinery to the manufacture of furniture, and the superior principles of construction which these appliances have made available, have resulted in the production of a class of goods put together in a superior manner, and therefore more durable, and at a greatly reduced cost. This, combined with the mode of business, whose principle is “small profits and quick returns”, and whose motto is “Cash”, has created almost a revolution in the trade, and placed goods, formerly only within reach of the opulent, at the service of all classes.

    Mr. Houston’s premises are well-suited for the modern mode of carrying on the business, and have the most ample facilities for display, storage, and manufacture. He has been in business on his own account for fifteen years ; and, as he was previously in the employment of the celebrated firm of Messrs. Wylie and Lochhead for many years, he may be supposed to know something of the trade. He started at first at 342, Gallowgate, removed for more accommodation to 369, Gallowgate, and, as his business continued to expand, finally secured the present premises at 461, Gallowgate. About five years ago the rear part, which did not previously belong to the establishment, was merged in it, the wall between the two premises being removed. A year previous he had secured the other premises at 473, Gallowgate.

    The visitor to these two handsome emporia will obtain a very good idea of the operations of a modern furniture dealer. All goods are marked in plain figures, while the whole range of the trade, from the most costly and elegant articles to those in which utility is combined with beauty, is fully represented. We need not attempt to enter here into a minute description of these two well-known establishments. All descriptions of house furnishings are there. Linoleums, oilcloths, carpets, tables, chairs, wardrobes, hall-stands, easy chairs, chests of drawers, mirrors, bedsteads, bedding, kitchen furniture, fancy and “occasional” articles, and suites after all designs — parlour, bedroom, hall, and lobby. The saloon to the rear of No. 461 is a handsome apartment 45 feet by 65 feet, and well worthy of inspection. Near by to the left are the stores and bedding workshops, where a numerous skilled staff finds constant employment under the personal supervision of the indefatigable proprietor.

    Taking the display in both concerns altogether, it is evident that Mr. Houston relies for public support entirely on the superior manufacture of his stock. The business is still growing rapidly, and commands an ever-increasing number of patrons among all classes from the wealthy to those whose means are limited. When the maximum of beauty of design and reliability of material and construction is combined in goods of this description at a minimum of cost, the vendor will be certain not to lack business. Mr. Houston has the good fortune to be in this position, to the no small advantage of his numerous and representative clients. Personally he is a courteous and accomplished man of business, and is well known and popular in trade circles in the City.

Back to Index of Firms (1891)