James Daly and Co.

JAMES DALY & CO., General Drapers and Outfitters, Tron House, 60—68, Trongate, Glasgow.

    Glasgow affords few more notable examples of what can be achieved in the industrial domain by well-directed enterprise and indomitable perseverance than is afforded by the well-known firm of drapers and outfitters, Messrs. James Daly and Co., of the Tron House, Trongate. Its career, from the date of its inception in 1846, has been one unbroken record of prosperity and progress, and it cannot fail at the present day to be a gratifying subject of contemplation to Mr. James Daly, sen., the founder of the establishment, that he has succeeded so conspicuously in creating a business that is so unquestionably a great factor in the commercial system of Glasgow.

    The foundations of the business were laid at No. 96, Trongate, in premises which were known to ancient Glaswegians as “Mein’s Hotel”, and now occupied by a branch establishment of the Clydesdale Banking Company. The present premises of the firm are of very great magnitude and rare attractiveness. We do not recollect in the Scottish kingdom a more elaborate specimen of pure Scottish Baronial devoted to business purposes than the splendid corner presents. The entire structure is in admirable keeping, and renders the establishment one of great architectural attractiveness, the effect of which is greatly enhanced by the magnificent display of goods shown in the eleven lofty and commanding windows on the ground floor.

    Entering the premises from the Trongate, the ribbon, lace, and flower departments first attract attention. All leading styles and newest varieties in shade and pattern of ribbon are abundantly en evidence. The display of lace reveals some very superior material and some exquisitely old patterns. In flowers there is an endless variety, many of the specimens displayed possessing remarkable features of resemblance to their natural prototypes. In the feather department a great variety is displayed ; while in the adjoining sections, devoted to silk scarves and embroideries, all the items presented are characterised by admirable taste in selection and excellence of material. Passing over the boot and shoe department, which contains a most comprehensive assortment of goods, we pass to the domestic and household drapery sections, and here will be found an unsurpassed stock of bleached and unbleached cottons, napery, English and Scotch blankets, iron bedsteads, bedding, quilts, curtains, and other furnishing requisites of the household. The hosiery, glove, shirt, and umbrella departments also well merit notice by reason of the superior character of the goods displayed, but as it is impossible within the limits at our disposal to enter minutely into a detailed review of their several excellences, we must pass to other departments.

    Proceeding by the magnificent staircase to the first floor, we enter the millinery, dress, costume, and mantle departments. The floor is exquisitely carpeted with a fine Brussels ; the fittings and appointments are of elegant design, an abundance of mirrors reflecting the light which a score of windows admits to the splendid saloon. These showrooms are unsurpassed in Glasgow either in respect of commodiousness or elegance of appointment, and the firm are to be congratulated on the splendid facilities that are afforded for the most advantageous display of the various specialities appertaining to this department. In the important sections of dressmaking, mantle making, and millinery, Messrs. James Daly and Co. possess a reputation that is the outcome of long years of experience and excellent achievement. They illustrate every style and fashion of the day with the practical skill and faultless taste of a firm versed in every essential feature of an artistic trade, and their exhibit of new designs in dresses, mantles, jackets, ulsters, dolmans, hats, and bonnets embraces for each season of the year productions that cannot be excelled in grace, elegance, fineness of material, or perfection of workmanship and finish.

    The gentlemen’s tailoring department is also one of very great magnitude and importance. In the bespoke section will be found a splendid assortment of Scotch and English tweeds in all the newest shades and patterns. Meltons, Vienna cloths, and superfine West of England wool-dyed cloths form a complete stock unsurpassed in excellence and variety by any house in the trade. The ready-made men’s and boys’ clothing department is replete with all the newest and most approved styles and patterns, and deservedly receives a large patronage not only in Glasgow, but from customers in all parts of Western Scotland.

    The workrooms are situated on the third floor, and it would be impossible to speak too highly of the admirable manner in which the firm have provided for the health and comfort of the immense staff of workpeople employed. The entire concern affords occupation to between 150 and 200 hands, and it is gratifying to note that between these and the executive of the establishment the most harmonious relations exist. Indeed, it is generally admitted in Glasgow that no house in the drapery trade has done more to ameliorate the conditions of their employees and to render their hours of toil happy and contented than has the firm under review, the inevitable result being an attached body of workers who strive by extra efficiency to express their appreciation of their employers’ liberality and consideration.

    We may mention that the personnel of the firm at the present time consists of the founder’s son, Mr. James Daly, jun., who is too intimately known both to Glasgow commercial circles and the local public generally to need any eulogy in these pages ; suffice it to say they possess, individually and collectively, just those qualities which are best calculated to maintain, augment, and enhance the volume, character, and value of a splendid connection which extends over all parts of the Scottish kingdom. We should desire here to share in the popular feeling of genuine esteem for the founder of the great establishment, and, wishing him many years of continuous success, venture to express the respectful opinion that no man in Glasgow more thoroughly deserves it.

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