Shaw, Walker, & Co.
SHAW, WALKER, & CO., City Ironmongery Stores, 14, Union Street, Glasgow.
A good deal is said now-a-days about the extraordinary energy and go displayed by what are called new firms. The inference is, of course, that the old-established houses are lacking in these qualities, or at any rate, their business enterprise does not equal their younger rivals. There may be a modicum of truth in this statement, but it can only apply at best to a few firms who are foolishly trading on their reputation acquired in the good old days. But there are other and more sensible firms who recognise the obvious truth that it is impossible to stand still in business, and that unless you progress you are surely retrogressing. Messrs. Shaw, Walker, & Co., of 14, Union Street, Glasgow, are a fine example of stability combined with splendid business tact and enterprise.
The firm was founded more than half-a-century ago by the late Mr. Shaw, who died four years ago, and was succeeded by his son, Mr. John M. Shaw, and Mr. David Walker, who continue the business under the above-named title. The warehouse in Union Street is a fine building containing an immense and varied stock of goods. A very neat display is made in the windows, while the showrooms upstairs contain everything a buyer can possibly want in grates, dog stoves, gasaliers, etc., suitable for all sizes of houses, from the most moderate in price to the most artistic made in brass, wrought iron, or iron and brass ; an immense forest of paraffin lamps, displayed on three tables, each 90 feet long ; and also a fine selection of the new extension paraffin floor lamp, etc.
Messrs. Shaw, Walker, & Co. make a speciality of ranges, which are indeed splendid specimens of work, practically holding all similar goods at defiance. Their long experience and perfect command of the market enable them to retain the position of supremacy in this direction, and render futile any attempts to displace them. Their sine qua non range has gained many medals, among them being an award from the Sanitary Institute, 1883, and the Victoria Exhibition, 1884. The great advantage of these ranges is that they can be used either as close or open fire at pleasure. There is no smell of cooking, while in consequence of the bottom grate being adjustable by means of a lever, which raises the fire evenly, bringing the fuel close to the hot plate, a saving of fuel to the extent of quite 50 per cent, is effected. Slow combustion can also be employed, by which means the range can be used for many hours without attention. People who suffer the inconvenience of a smoky chimney will find the sine qua non range a perfect boon. A great difficulty has also been overcome by the makers, namely, providing equal heat at the top and bottom of the oven. Extraordinary heating power can be imparted to the oven and hot plate by means of the patent cold air excluder, fixed at the side of the fire, which has also the advantage of being a smoke consumer. The numerous unsolicited testimonials received from customers demonstrate in a practical and convincing manner the absolute efficacy and usefulness of the sine qua non range, which well deserves its name.
Messrs. Shaw, Walker, & Co., in their new back saloon on the ground floor, show an excellent assortment of kitchen goods, displayed on tables ; every article needed in the kitchen can be seen at once. In the front shop they display an immense assortment of silver-plated goods, arranged in air-tight cases, suitable for marriage presents and athletic club prizes. We are informed that this is a large and increasing trade with them. Indeed, to mention all their goods would be to recapitulate the stock of a large ironmongers warehouse.
Messrs. Shaw, Walker, & Co. have always adopted a plain and straightforward course with their customers their goods are all marked in plain figures, and the price is based on the very smallest possible profit, to supply the public with goods for cash only, as is now the custom in the large co-operative stores in London, etc.who can always rely upon getting full value for their money at this establishment.
Back to Index of Firms (1891)