Whiteley, William, Ltd, department store

Notes:

Established in 1863 as a draper's store in Westbourne Grove, West London, by William Whiteley, 1831-1907. Grew rapidly so that the store had 15 departments by 1867 and over 600 staff by 1872. Emerged as a department store, manufacturing some of its products, growing others on a model farm and providing a range of other services such as undertaking, storage, etc. Incorporated as a public company in 1899 but controlled by Whiteley who proclaimed himself 'The Universal Provider'. 1927 acquired by Sefridges and subsequently owned by United Drapery Stores (UDS). Store closed 1981 [2023]