Attractive Prei cured Lane, Crawford's Building Very old folk always dread the thought of having to move out of a place that has been their home for one could not but feel a m sympathy when one of y changes to which ai is being, subjected resulted in Messrs. A.S. Watson & Ca. (the Shanghai Pharmacy) receiving notice to quit their well known premises at the corner of Nanking Road and Szechuen Road. It is the firm's boast that is the oldest chemist's establishment in the Far East, having been established for over 80 years.
There has been a branch in Shanghai for more than 60 years, and it carried on business unbrokenly until this last week-end in the familiar premises for 42 years, Its earlier home not within the ken of anyone now now connected with the firm in Shanghai, but there is a vague belief that it was "somewhere a little lower down," or perhaps it have been "a little higher up However, a repre "North-C ber 29 found Messrs Watson's with their fect nicely buttered and purr-happily in a cosy new home, sharing quarters with another good old body almost as ancient as themselves. Recent alterations, to the premises of Messrs. Lane, Crave ford & Ca, have enabled that firm, even with their overgrowing Dusiness, so to re-arrange their departments that they were able to spare some of their ground floor space and half of what used to be the provision department hrs been leased to Messrs. Watson & Ca.
What sometimes becomes the rather over-powering smell of perfume in a chemist's establishment now is tempered with the pleasant and apbetising whiff of freshly roasted coffee in the grocery, whilst a communicating door between the two establishments should prove a mutual benefit to the customers and Froprictors of both.
At first sight, the new chemist's shop seems smaller than the old tone, but actually there is more floor space, together with a high ceiling ud very effective lighting. Also it is of the shape most favoured in modern stores, being long and narrow, which permits of the centre being kept clear, whilst long counters, show-cases and shelves run the full length, making a good display for customers and enabling the assistants to have easy access to anything that may be called for. At the Tear of the shop is a well fitted modern dispensary and offices.
Moving from the old place and fitting up the new was a very well ordered and expeditious piece of work. Starting at mid-day on Saturday, the firm had everything in order, with business as usual, when the shop opened with not
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