In August 1892, a local newspaper told of a brand new Drapery opening up in Glasgow Road, Blantyre. Remarkably, we have an actual photo from a decade later when Dalls became Gilmours’ drapery, situated not far from Baird’s Rows. The newspaper said in 1892:
New Drapery Warehouse.— It is fifteen years since Mr James B. Dall took up his abode in Blantyre, but since he came he has shown an enterprise and energy that has probably been fruitful to himself; but, at the same time, generally beneficial to the district. His example has no doubt set others a-thinking, and the result is that to-day there is no district in the county that can boast of so many good drapery houses as that bearing the much-maligned name “Blantyre.”
Occupying a small shop only a few years ago, Mr Dall’s business has developed into one of the largest in the district, and the new premises in Gilmour Place is only another evidence of the indomitable energy possessed by Mr Dall. The new warehouse consists of a handsome double shop, situated on the main road, opposite Blantyre East Free Church, Stonefield, and the interior has been admirably fitted up to suit the business of a draper and milliner.
Behind two long counters ranges of shelves, surmounted with handsome cornices, are piled with all kinds of drapery goods, while behind the front shop a magnificent show room, with saloon roof, has been erected, well adapted for the purpose intended—“a millinery show room.” Behind this show room is a work room where bespoke orders are executed with every promptitude.
