REMARKABLE PROGRESS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16612, 30 March 1928, Page 9

REMARKABLE PROGRESS

MESSRS. S. H. PHILLIPS AND CO. PREMISES EXTENDED . Probably unique in the history of business lirms in Gisborne is the progress of Manchester House, the premises of the firm of Messrs. S. H. Phillips and Co., which came into being only. 6£ , years ago, and which to-day occupies a prominent position amongst the most important commercial houses in the town. Such progress is attributable in no small measure to the firm's policy of placing service to its customers first, and of endeavoring to supply a reliable article not down to price but up to a standard which will, ensure complete satisfaction. Tho extraordinary progress of the firm is being marked by an extension of the premises at the intersection of Gladstone road and Grey street and the installation of numerous modern fittings and appointments. Just 6.!, years, ago Mr. Phillips commenced business in Peel street,, but 222' 2 years in those' premises sufficed to show that they were totally inadequate to accommodato tho ever-increasing volume of business, and it became necessary for Mr. Phillips to find a larger house. The outcome of this was the erection of the present premises on the comer of Gladstone road and Grey streot, which were built to Mr. Phillips’ own design and specifications, and the firm was established on the ground ilopr. That was. four years ago, hut owing to tho steady growth of business it became apparent after a period that the accommodation was insufficient, and tips actuated the firm to secure the whole of the floor above, which has now been altered and improved extensively and converted into a showroom, up-to-date- in every particular, for lady customers. A, further striking indication of the progress of Manchester House is contained in the - fact that when tho firm first commenced business only 6£ years ago one assistant was employed, whereas to-day-there are no fewer than 11. A gif eat .factor in.the rapid growth of tho business has been tho cordial relationship.amongst tile staff, and. between tho staff and. their employer, and to their enthusiastic co-operation for the betterment of the business. .Mr. Phillips has an • excellent principle in regard to liis assistants. “I endeavor to impress upon each member of the staff,” he .says, “that they do not come to work for me, but with me.” A visitor to the new showrooms is at once impressed with the simple yet tasteful decorative scheme which has been given effect to. A wide and imposing. staircase leads up from the rear of IheJgroipd floor, facing the main entrance,.' and on the first landing is flanked on,, either side bv comfortable offices. The whole of the largo apartment on the second floor has been taken for the puhpose of the showrooms, and the necessary fitting-rooms, etc., have been partitioned off. A pleasing and restful color scheme —black and Pawn—lias, been- adopted for the showrooms, and . all. fittings and appointments have been, chosen to harmonise in design and c’oior. • The fittings, are the most modern prpeurable, and -are. designed to display the-various delicate articles of apparel to the best advantage. • Fitting-rooms are provided at the lefthand side of the niain apartment, and to the rear of these are rooms for the storing of stock. On tho opposite side of •the stairway 5 a resting room has been constructed • for the convenience of the .staff. .One of .the principal features of the showrooms, is a suitable compartnuent .for the display of evening gowns by artificial 'light, ‘thus enabling' customers'to inspect the gowns under conxlitions which will obtain when they •are' worn. Natural light is excluded, and'the room is artificially illuminated, •While the necessary mirrors are arranged atound the walls. The excellent lighting is another important feature .of tho main showroom, tho major portion of two of the Walls being taken up with large;stecl-franicd windows. The new showrooms will he in charge of Miss Littlewortly who recently arrived from Oxford, having been engaged ,iii the showroom of Messrs. Elliston and Cavol], a prominent English house.*