Details

Name

McDonalds

Brief Biography

1826 - 1975, Scottish

Occupation

Retailers

Description

McDonalds was founded by Robertson Buchanan Stewart and John MacDonald in 1826. The premises were on the block between Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Mitchell Street, Glasgow. In 1859 Ninian Bannatyne Stewart and Alexander McDonald joined as partners. John Macdonald died in about 1860, followed by Robertson Stewart in 1871. In 1874 Ninian Stewart retired leaving Alexander Stewart as senior partner and Archibald Crombie became partner. Alexander Stewart died in 1880 and was succeeded by John R Stewart. In 1882 Robert Keddie becomes partner. During the 1880s the store had thirty-four departments, most related to drapery, and owned clothing factories in Glasgow, Leeds and Strabane. Stewart & McDonald Ltd formed in 1900 with premises at 21-23 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. In 1913 McDonalds Ltd was created to manage wholesale business after company splits between store and factories. In 1922 the firm merged with J & W Campbell to become Campbells and Stewart & McDonald Co with premises on Ingram Street, Glasgow. A new store opened in 1927 with its main entrance on Buchanan Street, Glasgow. Later a new entrance was opened at 8 Mitchell Street, Glasgow. Lifts installed. Ladies’ tailoring department had cutting room and fitting rooms. New restaurant on third floor with Coffee Lounge, Tea Room and Writing Room. Architect for extensions and decorations was Mr Norman A. Dick of Sir John Burnett, Son and Dick. All wood work and fittings were by Glasgow firms. The firm was acquired by House of Fraser Ltd in 1951. 1966 – McDonalds, Wylie & Lochhead formed after amalgamation with Wylie & Lochead. 1975 – Frasers formed after the amalgamation with Fraser, Sons & Co. with premises on Buchanan Street, Glasgow.