Simpson's, Halifax

This advertisement is taken from the handbook for the 1936 Halifax Shopping Festival and Exhibition. The handbooks were designed to give visitors a flavour of the events that would be taking place as part of the festival week, as well as advertise local businesses. Within each handbook people could expect to find; adverts for local retailers, services and manufacturers, the names and photographs of the principle members of the Halifax Chamber of Trade, accounts of people's shopping memories, articles regarding issues such as health and education, a list of exhibitions and events that are due to take place as part of the festival and competitions for readers.


The Halifax Shopping Festival took place over the course of one week. Organised by the Halifax Chamber of Trade, its primary aim was to actively promote local traders, goods and services. Exhibitors and advertisers included all kinds of businesses, from woollen manufacturers to car dealerships.

Established in 1815 as a small family concern, Simpsons expanded to become the one of largest furniture retailers in the North of England. In addition to their premises in Silver Street, Halifax, the company also had premises in London and Blackburn. Unfortunately the company was to close in 1957.

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