Morley Commerce: Shop-01 - Walter Clegg's Grocery & Provisions Store

Morley Commerce: Shop - #01

 WALTER CLEGG - GROCER & PROVISION MERCHANT in 1890

Walter Clegg was a Family Grocer, Provision Merchant, Boot and Show factor, Corn Merchant, Dealer in Patent Medicines, Flocks and Feathers. The shop was on Cheapside, Morley Bottoms.

The comprehensive character of Mr. Clegg’s business is a part of its history. It was established around 1850 fifty years ago by the present proprietor’s father at Drighlington, a village three miles off, and was afterwards removed to Morley when that was but an insignificant place compared with what it is to-day. In those times a leading business man was obliged to be more or less a universal provider on a small scale, and with the development of the town the business in each department has steadily increased, so that at the present time Mr. Clegg finds himself at the head of a number of large departments, each of which would form a considerable business in itself. 

The premises have been recently greatly enlarged and improved, and now rank among the most commodious in Cheapside. They form part of a fine row of new buildings at the foot of Brunswick Street and Chapel Hill, and directly opposite Queen Street. The shop is of three storeys, substantially built of Morley stone, and with a fine frontage, while to the rear are extensive stores, stabling, and other outbuildings extending back to Bank Hill.

A large grocery and provision trade is done, the stock including pure teas, coffees, cocoas,sugars, tinned and potted goods, hams, bacon, cheese, etc., besides brushes, brooms, mats, lamps, and general Italian goods and household requisites. 

All the leading patent medicines are also supplied at reduced prices, and in the boot and shoe department large stocks of footwear are held for ladies, gentlemen, and children. To the rear of the shop the stores are heavily stocked with horse corn and provender, cattle foods, and condiments, etc., besides high class flours for bakery and household purposes, and a large trade is also done in pure flock and feathers for beds. 

Recently a new department has been added, Mr. Clegg having become agent for the Great Northern Parcels Express, and parcels are now received here and promptly forwarded to all parts at minimum charges.  The business in each department is conducted with great energy and enterprise, Mr. Clegg, in spite of modern competition, maintaining the old established reputation of the house for genuine value at the lowest possible prices.