H. L. T. Skinner began his mercantile career in Ottawa in 1887. This, however, was not the beginning of his experience in the clothing business. He traveled for years for Henry W. King’s great wholesale house and was with Browning, King & Co. for years. The great clothing house owned and conducted by him indicates in every part and portion a thorough knowledge of the details of the business. Mr. Skinner has given his life to the study of clothing and if a man can master a trade, he has certainly mastered that of the clothing business. While it is true that he has had an education in these lines that few have the opportunity to obtain, he has the natural ability to put into execution all of the advantages he has received. His great clothing house contains thousands of ready-made garments purchased and manufactured by the most reliable houses in the country. Every suit to the value of $7 and upward is made to his order and is fully guaranteed to give satisfaction. All goods are marked in plain figures and a child that can make its wants known can purchase goods just as cheaply as any grown person. His goods are one price to all. Goods are sold upon their merits only, and no misrepresentation will ever be made for the purpose of selling goods. All gent’s furnishing goods are manufactured by the well known Wilson Bros. and are guaranteed to give satisfaction in every instance. His stock of hats and caps is very large and complete. He has recently received a large consignment of fall and winter goods of most approved patterns and from the latest and most fashionable fashion plates. He has for years made a standing offer to pay $10 to anyone who would show a faded blue cloth suit sold by him. This is a convincing argument for “money talks.” It requires the services of six clerks to supply the trade and we are glad to note that he enjoys such liberal patronage and prosperity. It is such stores as this that give commercial prestige to towns and cities everywhere, and Ottawa is to be congratulated for having such a valuable and enterprising merchant. Orders are taken for tailor-made suits and are manufactured by the best houses in the country. His trade is drawn from a radius of 50 miles and orders are received daily from other states. See his goods and consult his prices and be convinced. With a business that thrived as much as his did, in this day and age, he would be putting his fashion pieces online, his online shop would be utilizing online SEO marketing to help him gain traffic, there are seo for fashion companies that will assist with this specific fashion marketing.
Source: Ottawa Daily Republican Sep 5-9, 1898
Name of Business: Skinner, H. L. T.
Current Address: 202 S Main