Pigott & Company

Pigott & Co. who were already established in Brisbane, opened their Ipswich store in April 1895 in Brisbane Street, in McGrath's Building, next to the North Star Hotel. Another tenant of McGrath's Building at the time was Lee & Reed, Grocers. Naturally, Pigott & Co. had an opening sale offering drapery, manchester and clothing. Their inventory included wool serges, tweed, wool flannel, cotton hose, men's trousers, suits, belts, towels & blankets, kid gloves, straw hats, and ladies' underclothing. 

They were importers and called themselves "cash drapers", believing there was a certain advantage in accepting cash rather than perhaps clients running up accounts, an accepted and widespread practice. In addition to their Ipswich and South Brisbane stores, Pigotts also had a branch in Boonah. 

Within two years, Pigotts sold out to Gilmore & Co., and moved on to Toowoomba where they established a successful and long-term business operation.