Peter Watson

PETER WATSON, Wine Merchant and Italian Warehouseman, Pierhead, Largs.

    A striking feature of the commercial aspect of this flourishing Clyde-side town is the number and importance of the leading retail establishments to be seen in the principal thoroughfares, of which we select as a thoroughly representative type the well-known house of Mr. Peter Watson, Wine Merchant and Italian Warehouseman. This business, in point of longevity, is certainly the oldest of this character in the district, having been established upwards of half a century ago by Mr. John Watson, father of the present proprietor, who has continued the undertaking with increasing success.

    The premises situated at Pierhead are of extensive proportions, occupying a commanding corner position, with four fine plate glass windows and two entrances to the various departments. The interior is handsomely appointed and possesses every facility for the effective display of the large and comprehensive stock. This includes, in the grocery department, the choicest new season’s growths in India, China, and Ceylon teas ; coffee, fruits, spices, preserves, Italian warehouse goods, and provisions carefully selected from the best produce markets and unequalled for superior quality in the trade.

    The wine and spirit department contains the finest old vintage ports, sherries, and clarets specially imported by Mr. Watson in cask and bottled in the stores, with a splendid stock of mellow and well - matured Scotch whiskies in all the best known and most popular blends, old brandies, &c. An important feature of Mr. Watson’s business is the bottled ale and stout trade, extensive cellarage in the basement being devoted to storage purposes ; and, fully equipped with the most improved bottling and corking machinery, enables this gentleman to keep pace with the ever-increasing demand for this class of goods. In the rear of the establishment is a large store for methylated spirits and warehouse accommodation for groceries, dry goods, and provisions, the whole forming one of the most completely arranged undertakings of this character in the provinces.

    The connection established by Mr. Watson is extensive and influential, embracing the leading county families and townspeople, the trade being essentially high class throughout and chiefly confined to town and country orders. The services of an adequate staff of attentive assistants are retained in the business, which is ably controlled under the personal management of the principal, whose thorough knowledge of the best markets and sound judgment in selection enable him to meet the requirements of his clients in each department of the trade.

    In conclusion, we may add that Mr. Watson is widely known and esteemed in both social and commercial, circles, having for many years past taken an active interest in municipal and political questions — in the former as a member of the Town Council, doing loyal service in the good government of the town ; and in the latter, as Hon. Secretary of the local Conservative Association he has rendered invaluable assistance to that cause. Mr. Watson, it may also be mentioned, held Her Majesty’s commission as Captain in the Volunteers.

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