Miss Chapman: 

Ah the McLaren Company and store, another one of our proud landmarks here in St. Catharines. It is the largest store in the Niagara district as a matter of fact! Oh look, there’s Robert McLaren now! He can tell us more. 

[Enter Robert McLaren] 

Robert McLaren: 

Miss Chapman, lovely to see you! Have you come to run some errands? 

Miss Chapman: 

Not today Mr. McLaren. I’m actually showing my friend here the best locales around our city, and this is our last stop. I was hoping you could tell us more about your store? 

Robert McLaren: 

Ah, saving the best for last I see.  Very good Miss Chapman! Welcome to McLaren & Company, the premier dry goods store in the city. What would you like to know? 

Miss Chapman: 

Perhaps you could tell us how your store was started? 

Robert McLaren: 

Of course. Our store has humble origins as a tiny general store back in 1848, back when it was a wee general store managed by R. and J. Woodruff. They continually grew their business until my associate and I purchased it from the Woodruffs in 1883.  We’ve been running it as a dry goods store ever since. 

Miss Chapman: 

Fascinating! I understand you also introduced a new business practice when you took over, something about dealing directly with producers? 

Robert McLaren: 

Right you are! Since I became the proprietor of this store, I have made it my policy to deal with manufacturers directly, cutting out the middle-merchant. This ensures that our prices are quite competitive and the store can thrive.  

Miss Chapman: 

That does sound like a good business practice Mr. McLaren, and I’ll wager that your customers appreciate the reasonable prices you charge.  I know I certainly do! 

Robert McLaren: 

I’m gratified to hear that. However, I don’t want to give the impression that we are scrimping on the quality of the goods that we sell. Each year I make business trips to England, Europe, and the United States to source the finest linens, apparel, and other products. You can be sure that everything you see here is top of the line and approved by yours truly! 

Miss Chapman: 

That’s good to know, since I do most of my shopping here! That reminds me, I do need to pick out a new dress for the big show tonight. I guess I do need to run an errand after all. 

Robert McLaren: 

That won’t be a problem. Miss Chapman, I think I know just the thing. 

Miss Chapman: 

Thank you, that would be most helpful! Say, Mr. McLaren, you are quite involved in the community of St. Catharines, aren’t you? 

Robert McLaren: 

Indeed! My brother Alexander and I are both very active in the Board of Trade for the city of St. Catharines. We also belong to several clubs and associations, such as the Masons based here downtown. 

Miss Chapman:

Oh my! I don’t know what our town would do without you, Mr. McLaren. 

Robert McLaren: 

You flatter me too much Miss Chapman.  Someone would take my place.  The people need their dry goods after all! 

Miss Chapman: 

They most certainly do. But I have to ask, do you have any other plans for the store? 

Robert McLaren: 

No. I don’t think so. In 1883 we expanded the store into our neighbouring structure on 19 St. Paul, but there are no future plans for expansion. Well, thank you so much for your interest in my store and activities Miss Chapman. However, I should go now, as I have other duties to attend to.  When you are ready, come inside and we will get you situated with that new dress.

Miss Chapman: 

I shall do so, Mr. McLaren. Many thanks for your time.  Bye for now! 

[Robert McLaren leaves] 

Narrator: 

After Robert McLaren’s death in 1917, the McLaren and Company department store was purchased by the Toronto Eaton Company. It was completely destroyed by a fire in 1936 but was renovated and reopened the next year. The block remained devoted to retail until 1978 when it was demolished to create an office and retail complex, now known as 1 St. Paul.  We’re almost done.  Please press “Next” to move to the conclusion of our tour.