H. Ross

H. ROSS, Umbrella Manufacturer, 60, Argyle Street ; 141, New City Road ; and 138, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.

    A notable instance of rapid trading expansion and development in Glasgow is presented in the operations of the business of Mr. H. Ross, established in 1877, and now occupying a position of the first importance and distinction in the umbrella manufacturing trade. This business has indicated a progressiveness consistent with the energy that has been brought to bear upon its control, and its constant increases in popular favour are the outcome of well-applied tact and enterprise.

    From 141, New City Road — where the business was first located — it became extended to Argyle Street, and, in consequence of further accumulations, the proprietor, in 1890, entered upon the handsome and well-appointed establishment in Renfield Street, where the principal trade of the house is now concentred. The premises in this busy thoroughfare have been thoroughly brought up to date in all matters of arrangement and appointment, and all the elements of artistic taste and elegance are presented in the interior, where large upright glass show cases are made available for the purposes of display. The utmost precision and care is manifested in the disposal of the numerous departments, and the miscellaneous arrays of umbrellas and walking sticks (both plain and mounted in gold and silver) are submitted to inspection under the most brilliant and effective conditions. The most fastidious taste will be readily gratified by the selections shown throughout this establishment and those also at Argyle Street and New City Road ; while the finish, substantiality, and artistic taste by which every item is characterised may be said to recommend the productions of this firm to the consideration of all classes. As a manufacturer whose aim is to provide handsome and well-made umbrellas at the minimum over the cost of production, Mr. Ross has so manipulated his mechanical and general resources as to attain this object in a manner satisfactory to the interests of the trade as well as to those of his worldwide clientele.

    In the colonies where the manufacture of umbrellas has not yet been developed to any material extent (if at all engaged in), Mr. Ross’s umbrellas are in constant demand and requisition. He sends these goods as far as India and China, and the growing taste for ornamentation in this indispensable item of personal equipment is well provided for in the choice novelties and specialities that emanate from the factory in Great Clyde Street.

    Here the entire industry of umbrella making is represented on a standard of admirable completeness, and the simple fact that the making and finishing of an umbrella in 30 minutes, and the covering of one in 20 minutes, can be accomplished at any time, or to any special order, will no doubt appear surprising to those who are unacquainted with the manner in which Mr. Ross has embodied in his operations every ingenious device and contrivance tending to improve the character and resources of his well-organised industry.

    As the medium of an immense wholesale trade, the business is a factor of great and increasing value in the advancement of the industry it represents, and the quality and excellence of its productions have already acquired well-deserved celebrity without the aid of any form of ostentatious trading or advertisement. Commanding the operations of a large staff of work-people and shop assistants, Mr. Ross is enabled to provide for all the exigencies of a trade the ramifications of which manifest unlimited development ; and at the head of what is undoubtedly one of the most flourishing concerns of its kind in the western metropolis, Mr. Ross maintains his reputation and noteworthiness with the ability and tact whereby those enviable marks of commercial distinction have been already gained.

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