Alex Nichol, High Class Tailor

After leaving the firm of S. A. Nichol & Son, Alexander Nichol (the son) began tailoring in 1912 in the premises of W. B. Darker, Bookseller & Stationer in Brisbane Street, near the Post Office and towards Bell Street. He boasted a range of choice suitings, fancy vestings, and trouserings. 

In late 1917, Alex Nichol moved his business upstairs in Bostock Chambers - a move that appears short-lived as Nichol went to work for Robert Hunter (tailor) c1919 for the next decade or so. During the 1920s, Alex was heavily involved with the Ipswich Central Congregational Church, community service, and even dabbled in local politics.  He had a high profile around town due to these activities. 

On Saturday 29 November 1930, Alex Nichol opened a new tailoring business in Ipswich. It was co-located with Lemass Ltd, Men's Outfitters in Brisbane Street, opposite Bell Street. However, in early 1931 J. P. Walker Mercers Ltd took over Lemass and  by September of that year Nichol was operating in Cameron's Chambers, over Whitehead the chemist in Nicholas Street. His new premises were more modern and suited to his requirements. At this time, Alex Nichol's specialty was dinner suits and Plus Fours. He claimed to be both men's and women's tailor and was selling suits, flannels and gaberdines. Despite the Great Depression, Alex Nichol's business was stable in Cameron's Chambers until January 1939 when he purchased the business of his old boss Robert Hunter who had died the previous month. Another location change ensued and Alex Nichol moved next to Goleby's in Brisbane Street. This would be the tailor's final move as he died in July 1939, thus ending half a century of Nichols, father and son, tailoring in Ipswich.  

At the time of his death in 1939, Alex Nichol lived at 38 Harlin Road, Coalfalls.