THE C. M. ROSS CO., LTD

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1563, 13 June 1916, Page 4

THE C. M. ROSS CO., LTD

FINE NEW PREMISES. Shortly after The C. M. Ross Co., Ltd., acquired the old-established business in Palmerston North of C. M. Ross, and Co., the directorate was faced with the necessity of enlarging the premises, the business having grown to such proportions that it was found it could not be handled satisfactorily under the old conditions. Accordingly, the sections at the corner of George street and Coleman Place and a strip of land fronting the Square between the then existing buildings and the Union Bank of Australasia, were acquired and arrangements made for the erection of additional suitable buildings. These have now been completed, making a fine structure, of steel frame with reinforced concrete, with imposing frontages to the Square and George street. The portion fronting the Square is of two storeys, while that with a frontage to George street and Coleman Place is three storeys. Right: throughout the buildings everything has been carried out on a generous scale, giving a maximum of display space, and that important matter, light for the interior. The lloor space is very considerable, being in all very nearly equal to an acre.

Entering through the four handsome arcade windows from the Square, the Manchester department is reaehed, this having now been in use for a few months. A pannelled stairway leads to the flat above, which is given over to that important branch of the company’s business, dressmaking. The workrooms facing the Square are lofty and well, lit, and occupy the greater potion of this flat, a suite of fitting rooms and ladies’ waiting rooms also occupying a considerable amount of room. Along the corridor from the Manchester department, and passing the commodious office, the furnishing department is reached, this department having also entrances from George street. Pannelled and beamed ceilings, white plastered walls, and the latest find best in composition floorings, with plenty of light and space, make this a most desirable room in which to select furninshings. A handsome staircase leads to the second, flat, which will, fit a later date, be used as a tea room.

The third storey is for the present to be used to store the large reserve stocks that the company are carrying. The firm, having command of hmple capital, was able to place extensive orders for fill classes of drapery goods prior to the recent increases in price, and they are thus in the fortunate position of having large stocks of goods that at the present can only, in some cases, be obtained at a large advance in price—and in some instances canhot be obtained at all. In this connection the large space at the company’s disposal will be of extreme benefit, as it, will enable it to carry exceptionally large stocks, and give their customers the benefits of advantageous buying. Apart from the probability of supplies in many cases being unprocurable, consequent on the number of workers withdrawn from their manufacture at Homo on account of the war, a very serious position is threatened, as in many eases “famine” prices are likely to prevail. Considerable alterations have been made in the interior arrangements of the existing buildings, the display windows of which have been modernised, and with their richly pannelled backgrounds present a handsome appearance. The boot department has been enlarged, and is now better lighted, thus affording better opportunity for displaying the goods.

The departments that cater for the etceteras of a lady’s toilet, gloves, laces, hosiery, neckwear, etc., have been brought together, and are all handy to the main entrance. The dress department occupies three sides of a square, find in this spacious, well-lighted room, ladies will be able to make their selections in comfort. Alongside is the ladies’ underclothing and children’s section, compactly arranged, yet sufficiently roomy. The showroom, which has an entrance from George street, is a most attractive quarter of the premises. Carpeted and pannelled in brown, it presents a pleasing appearance, with its fine display of millinery, costumes, coats, etc.

A special feature about the firm’s premises is the ample space a Horded for window displays. These are particularly large, giving opportunity to make displays that, are both striking and artistic. In all the company has for the display of their goods some 18 windows that are tastefully dressed, and enhance the general appearance of the building. That full advantage is taken of the space is evidenced by the fine result of the window dressers’ efforts. The firm at present employs about 100 hands in the various branches, and from time to time has found it necessary to increase the number as business increases —this also being the reason for the large additions to the premises that has lately been made. The firm is now in a position to satisfactorily display their wares and deal with their steadily increasing business. The firm invite the public and visitors to Palmerston to pay a visit of inspection to their new premises.'