The Tradesman Card from Wililam Ryder and Edwards Nicklin's shop

Some more information about my shop...

My mercers shop is, of course, one of the most well-known of its kind in London. You might have noticed my beautiful silks in the window. I also sell such fine and costly material as velvets and satins {7}, all which may be used to make gowns for exquisite ladies like you. From the street, you may have noticed how I hang my fine materials behine the large windows of my shop so the passers-by can see what type of effect the material would have, flowing as a dress would. {8}

Buying laces and flounces, 1777 My business partner, Mr. Nicklin, and I, adhere, of course, to all of the general high standards of quality that shopkeepers abide by. We do, however, have different roles within our mercers shop. For example, if Mr. Nicklin is busy flourishing out silks and other fine materials to our lady shoppers and assisting them with their purchases, my responsibility is to stand, well-dressed, by the shop entrance, bowing to coaches and they pass by and ushering ladies in and out of the shop. {9}
In order to fully convey what an experience in my shop is like, I'd like to tell you a story about an interesting young girl, much like you, who entered my shop just yesterday with two other women. She, too, was searching for a complete ensemble for an extravagant ball she was attending, and I informed her as to the other shops besides mine that she would have to visit. If I could explain to you the events of her day shopping in London, you would be abe to understand better the ways that London ladies shop. I only wish I could remember her name....ah, yes! Evelina!

View of a mercers shop from the street

 

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