The ‘Ladies’ Emporium’
Photo: State Library of Queensland
Mrs Janet Walker, costumier, and Miss Margaret Caldwell, milliner, established the ‘Ladies’ Emporium’ at 216 Adelaide Street, in September 1896. Both women had operated their respective businesses in these premises since November 1892. The building had formerly been operated as the Finney, Isles and Company carpet warehouse.
The new Emporium was under the combined management of both women. It was divided into thirteen specialist departments including corsetry, cottons, dress goods, gloves, hosiery, laces, linens, linings, muslins, prints, ribbons, silks and underclothing. Miss Caldwell also began to stock a large selection of falls, flowers, parasols and net. Brisbane women were now able to order a custom made dress and matching hat, as well as all the accessories, which contributed to the total fashion look of the late nineteenth century. Stock for the Emporium was sourced from Sydney, Melbourne, London and Paris.
The comfort of both customers and employees was paramount. Each of the large show rooms located on the ground floor of the Emporium were well lit, ventilated, and kept cool on hot days with the addition of large window shades. The basement fitting rooms were artificially lit specially for the viewing of evening gowns. The establishment boasted three levels of such comforts. By the end of 1898 the work force at the Emporium had increased to one hundred and twenty, the majority of whom were working in the dressmaking departments. Between October 1896 and August 1900, thirty-three weddings were attributed to the Emporium.
Although the Emporium was a successful enterprise, it was closed at the end of August 1900, as Mrs Walker decided not to renew the existing lease. Instead, she renegotiated the lease for the two upper rooms where she was could continue her custom made clothing business. Mrs Walker remained in these premises until 1919, and then moved to Queen Street until her retirement in 1938, aged 88.