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Welcome to Belfast Between The Wars, a blog showcasing a range of interesting stories written in and about Belfast between the end of the First World War in 1918 and the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. 

  • Writer's pictureBelfast Between The Wars

Northern Whig, Monday 8th January 1923


ROBINSON & CLEAVER, LTD.


Few firms have earned such a high and wide reputation as that of Robinson& Cleaver, whose palatial establishment is one of the features of the Bond Street of Belfast and one of the show places of the city. Their name is familiar not only on both sides of the Channel but on both sides of the Atlantic, and for nearly half a century it has been associated with sterling quality and genuine value. The firm have in their winter sale, which embraces all departments, many specially tempting lines. With them the object is a rapid clearance, and thus prices have been reduced to unprecedentedly low figures. Among the special bargains may be noted all-wool cardigan coats and sports coats at 17s 6d and 18s 6d respectively, and artificial silk cardigan coats at 21s 6d. These are really remarkable value. Among many remarkable lines in dress goods the beautiful new silks, tussore, Jap, schappe and mousseline at 3s 6d, 3s 11d and 4s 11d a yard are striking value; while crepe-de-chine in all the newest shades, and black mousseline satin at 6s 6d and 8s 11d respectively, are priced phenomenally low; so also is the special sale price of chiffon velvet at 12s 9d. A fine range of coats – some of which have been reduced from 7 guineas to 4 guineas, and others from 3 ½ guineas to 39s 6d – will command attention; so will some remarkably pretty afternoon dresses in satin georgette and crepe-de-chine from 32s 6d, and children’s party frocks from 21s. Splendid value is also offered in scarves and shawls; while in dress goods – serges, velours, gaberdines, and Amazon and tunic cloth – there are some very special lines at sternly cut prices. For handkerchiefs and all kinds of linen goods the house has always been noted, and many of their specialities in these departments are also marked down to the lowest figure. The same remark applies to millinery ribbons, boots and shoes and fancy goods, the last named including some really wonderful bargains. In fact, there is not one of the numerous sections of their business in which the management are not giving the most tempting inducements to the customer during the next two or three weeks.


NORMAN’S


Norman’s, in Castle Lane, is deservedly popular with all classes of shoppers, and with really sterling values going there at ordinary times, the winter sale, with its special reductions, has been eagerly anticipated. There has certainly been no mistake about the way ordinary prices have been cut for the sale, and in practically all departments extraordinary bargains are offered. A most attractive line is a fine range of sample frocks in crepe-de-chine, taffeta, eolienne, &c., in all the favourite shads, which have been marked down to considerably less than half price; so have choice lots of gaberdine dresses and semi-evening frocks. All-wool cardigans and jumper blouses in fashionable colours, ticketed at phenomenal figures, should certainly attract attention, as should the extensive selection of ribbons in glace and other silks, chenie, &c. Another feature of the sale is Swiss work, including flouncings, skirtings, camisole, embroideries, &c., all marked at less than half price. Ladies’ underclothing of all kinds is also made the subject of sweeping reductions of price, while the range of selection is of an exhaustive character. Yet another department which offers very special attractions in selection and price is the ladies’ boot and shoe department, which well deserves inspection. Here elegant glace-kid, high-lace boots with smart Louis heels, which formerly were 35s are down to 19s 11d; while splendid glace-kid shoes in stylish models; formerly 27s 6d, are marked at 14s 11d. Velvet and bar shoes are also offered at nominal prices.


DAVID HANNA, LTD.


Messrs. David Hanna, Ltd. “The International Fur House”, 40-44 Royal Avenue, is one of those firms in Belfast whose name is a household word. The mere mention of furs is sufficient to bring in many minds a closer association with the name of Messrs. Hanna. During all the years they have been established they have had only one aim – to supply the highest quality at the most reasonable price – and this they have succeeded in doing to a remarkable degree. Strict attention to the best markets, a discerning foresight which seems to intuitively know the requirements of customers, and that almost indefinable gift of suiting taste and pocket at the same time – these are some of the factors which have contributed in a very material degree to the prosperity, the popularity, and the reputation of “The International Fur House.” A sale at Messrs. Hanna’s provides a rare opportunity, and just now their entire stock of furs in capes, wraps and stoles is being offered at specially keen prices. Such sales are boons to the careful and discriminating buyer, and when they are backed up by a prestige such as Messrs. Hanna enjoy there is every incentive to purchase early before the bargains are all snapped up. Some wonderful values in seal coney and beaver coney fur coats in different lengths are being offered, while there is also great variety in skunk capes, squirrel tail wraps, and red fox, blue Mongolian fox, and blue wolf animal ties and furs. In other departments too Messrs. Hanna, desirous of reducing stock before stocktaking, are making some splendid offers. Tweed and velour coats, tweed costumes, gowns in crepe-de-chine and eolienne, raincoats, hats, shirts, blouses and jumpers have all been marked down. In dress materials drastic reductions have been made, and there is a special lot of tweeds, Cheviots, and suitings at a very low figure.


JOHN ROBB & CO., LTD.


Widely known as one of the most comprehensive of the great stores of the city – Messrs. Robbs, Ltd., Castle Place, is equally famed for quality and good value. Purchasing, as the firm have always done, for cash in the best markets they are able at all times to give sterling goods at competitive rates. At sale times, however, they undoubtedly offer extraordinary bargains, and especially when they announce their winter sale. At present the display in the windows is truly remarkable. Every article is ticketed, and while the reductions made in all cases are a sweeping and drastic character, in some they make the prices positively irresistible.


The extensive character of the business necessitates the carrying of heavy stocks in every department, and if there is a substantial balance left over in any of them at this season of the year it is sacrificed without scruple to obtain a prompt clearance. Some wonderfully fine bargains in dresses and costumes are offered, also in dress materials and silks, lace, millinery, haberdashery and hosiery. Ready-to-wear costumes are a well-known speciality of the firm, and in these at sale prices there is a wonderfully good range. To customers in the tailoring and hat and cap departments the advantages of the sale are also given, the choice of both garments and materials being practically unlimited. Linen and cotton goods of all descriptions, as well as blankets and quilts, furnish special opportunities to the purchaser as does also the boot and shoe department; while toys and fancy goods, of the huge stock of which, notwithstanding the record dimensions of the Christmas trade, there is a substantial balance left, the prices have been cut down ruthlessly. The same applies to stationery goods, some very fine lines of which are on offer in the sale. Furniture of all kinds, leather goods, and household requisites of every description are likewise included – indeed, no matter how small or how large the volume of the customer’s requirement or how varied its character it can be supplied satisfactory and economically from the winter sale at this establishment.


MESSRS. THORNTONS


Messrs. Thorntons, 24 and 26 Donegall Place, is popularly and deservedly known as “the home of rubber”. But it is something more. In these days we hear and read a great deal about trade within the Empire, and this is quite an alluring subject. Trade within the city, and in the case of Ulster within the province, is quite as important relatively, and all good citizens and good provincials when visiting the city should concentrate their spending proclivities on what is home-made. This is where Messrs. Thorntons make a strong appeal. Their rubber goods are all manufactured on their own premises, and though this in itself would be some claim for patronage it requires to be backed up by the hall mark of superlative excellence. The firm has always aimed at and succeeded in achieving this, and just now they have decided to give tempting reductions at their annual clearance sale. It would be impossible in a brief notice to give anything like an idea of the comprehensive stock, but all the purchaser who requires anything in the rubber line has to do is call at 24 and 26, Donegall Place. Here he or she will find requirements suited at reductions from 3s to 5s in the pound. Every article will be found marked with the original price in plain figures, and the display in window and on counters is an interesting and fascinating one.


  • Writer's pictureBelfast Between The Wars

Northern Whig, Monday 22nd November 1926


The large block of buildings in Chichester Street at the corner of Montgomery Street are at present being completely remodelled with the object of transforming this place into a new dance hall, which is to be known as The Plaza. It is promised that when the scheme is completed Belfast will have the finest hall of its kind in Great Britain. A company, the Belfast Plaza, Ltd., has been floated, and is spending thousands of pounds to practically rebuild this place. At present carpenters, joiners, electricians, decorators, painters, &c., are all busy, and already one can get a fair idea of the magnitude of the transformation which is taking place.


The main entrance will be from Chichester Street, the ladies’ and gentlemen’s dressing and waiting rooms being directly off the hall, from which there is a wide staircase leading to the ballroom. This room will be capable of accommodating 1,200 dancers. The floor is to be of a special sprung design, surrounded by a promenade on which refreshments will be served. The decorative and lighting effects will be new to Belfast. Concealed light will be reflected across the floor from the sides. The pillars supporting the balcony are being treated as pagodas, with three dozen coloured lights on each, while the main lighting will be supplied from huge shades on the ceiling, in which there will be a combination of eleven different colours which can be operated instantly by the touch of a button.


On the walls there will also be a new lighting scheme, with recess panels lit from behind with frets in front.


The whole place will be fireproof. In the centre of the floor will be an electric fountain playing, the lights on the sides and base changing automatically in the six different shades.


It is intended to have The Plaza open on afternoons and evenings and to supply teas and suppers, a supper room being provided over the bandstand to seat special supper parties of from half a dozen to close on a hundred. This is quite apart from the ordinary refreshment accommodation.


The orchestra is being brought from across the Channel, consisting of ballroom music specialists, and the manageress of the whole concern will be Miss MacLachlan, who has had a number of years’ experience with the Glasgow Plaza Dance Hall Company in its different services.


The Plaza will be run on most high-class lines, and the dancers of Belfast will no doubt await with keenness its opening, which is to take place in the middle of next month.


To read more about the Plaza click here.


Northern Whig, Friday 14th November 1930


It was in the heart of Belfast – High Street, to be exact – I heard the growling of animals. Lions, looking very ferocious, roared at me; cows, more gentle, mooed; monkeys paused in their climbing to chatter. Tigers with wild, red eyes clearly resented by intrusion into this tropical jungle; an elephant in trumpet-like tones informed me of his annoyance, and even the beautifully soft, white bear grumbled.


My advent into the jungle was very thrilling. I entered the toy department of Robb’s and was conducted to a triple-engine twenty-seater aeroplane. Then I was taken on a most adventurous journey. The machine buzzed through space, the mechanic’s voice warned me to “hold tight”; wonderful blue and purple tints of clouds appeared before my astonished eyes. Earth was below me, and the beauteous glory of the heavens around me.


After what seemed like a considerable period the buzzing stopped and I landed on terra firma. Leaves made a carpet for me; all around were strange exotic plants – plants which grow in warm countries. The animals, too, were such as do not inhabit these Western Isles, and although by their noise and the angry rolling of their luminous eyes I could see they had no love for me. They attacked me only by their noisy derision. A trifle put out by their growls, I found peace and contentment in watching gondolas sway gently on a calm unruffled stream; a waterfall played near by; there was peace and quietude.


It is undoubtedly a unique Christmas show that Robb’s have arranged. Ostensibly for children, it will attract hundreds of adults, and the toys they have purchases for the delight of young folk will give as much pleasure to their parents. A Mickey Mouse orchestra, huge motor cars, big dolls’ houses, children’s pianos are all toys with which one can easily imagine many a fond father and mother, big brother, or sister playing.


The window display is one that is attracting many spectators. Hornby trains, worked by electricity, rush to and fro; there is a Meccano representation of a dock scene, dredges and cranes, &c., and the whole thing is arranged with such ingenuity that one has nothing but congratulations to offer the management – and, above all, for their bringing the jungle exhibition (also worked by electricity) to Belfast. It will be officially opened on Saturday.


To read more about Robb's Department store click here.


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