Rose's Universal Emporium

In late November 1884 Joseph Rose opened his business venture the Universal Emporium at 80 Brisbane Street, Ipswich. It was often known as Rose's Universal Emporium. It was a universal emporium, so called, because a huge variety of stock was for sale including: baskets, tinware, china, glassware, toys, boots, clothing, toiletries, baby perambulators and cradles, patent medicines, drapery, pottery, brushes and Christmas cards. The Universal Emporium was initially in James McGill's new building sandwiched between the Palais Royal Hotel and Qld Woollen Company.

After 12 years in McGill's building, Rose moved his business further west along Brisbane Street, opposite the junction with Bell Street, into a new shop in Watson's building. There were 3 shops in the newly constructed building: W. F. S. Fox the druggist had the upstairs premises while the centre shop was occupied by W. M. Payne, a bookseller & stationer. 

In March 1902, after almost 18 years trading in Ipswich, Rose's Universal Emporium closed its doors for good. Auctions were held in June of that year to clear leftover stock and shop furnishings. 

Later after Rose's departure from McGill's building,  Jack Black's Oyster Saloon, the City Cafe, and R. Nosworthy's millinery shop would use the space.