retail

T.C. Beirne & Co. has a proud history of contribution both culturally and economically to Brisbane. Beirne’s as it was often referred to, held a position of prominence as a retailer of choice for decades during the early 1900’s to the 1960’s. T.C. Beirne (known as ‘T.C. Beirnes’ or just ‘Beirnes’) was a long-running department store that stablished Fortitude Valley as the place to shop for fashion in Brisbane. They catered to the middle of the market, offering a comprehensive range of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and footwear, as well as fabric, haberdashery, and other household goods. The early success and growth of Thomas Beirne’s drapery business demonstrates the opportunities Queensland held for immigrant fashion retailers Beirne’s retained its independence until David Jones bought it out in 1961. The Valley store continued to trade as T. C. Beirne until being rebadged as David Jones in 1966. The Fortitude Valley store was closed in 1973, in a widespread move by David Jones to cut costs. Thomas Charles Beirne (1860–1949), an Irishman, was the founder and director of the T.C. Beirne department stores, remaining active in the business right up until his death. What started as a modest drapery business made him one of Queensland’s most successful businessmen, and among the first Australian millionaires. Source: tcbandco.com.au/history/

Beautiful interior, attractive display of items. Specious as well.

McDonnell & East Summer Sale 1922 catalogue. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland At the beginning of January 1922, McDonnell & East department store, situated on George Street in Brisbane's CBD, announced their annual "Summer Sale". Extensive advertisements were published in Brisbane newspapers with discounts to wide variety of merchandise - "The firm state this sale is intended to take the form of a New Year surprise to the people of Queensland - to aid them in starting 1922 economically... Included in offerings will be fashion goods for women such as blouses, skirts, robes, also underwear, sunshades, & c., plenty of fashionable millinery, too. There will be bargains in children's frocks, children's underwear, also big values in men's mercery, men's suits, men's hats, boys' suits, and boots and shoes for men, women and children.... Dress fabric values will stand out conspicuously. The firm say the bargains in furniture and furnishings were never better." (The Telegraph, January 3, 1922). Source: www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/mcdonnell-east-summer-sale-catalo...