Hugh Fraser (retailer)
Hugh Fraser (1815 - 1873) was the founder of House of Fraser, now one of the largest retail chains in the United Kingdom.
Career
Born the son of a Dunbartonshire farmer, Hugh Fraser was apprenticed to Stewart & McDonald, a drapery warehouse in Glasgow, where he became a manager.[1]
In 1849 he formed a partnership with James Arthur, another Glasgow shop owner, to open a drapery shop in Buchanan Street in Glasgow.[1] Together they expanded the business developing in particular its wholesale business which James Arthur took over completely in 1865.[1] Hugh Fraser then went into partnership with Alexander McLaren to develop the retail side of the business and expanded it into one of the largest stores in Glasgow.[1]
Hugh Fraser died in 1873 leaving his business to whichever of his five sons decided to take up a share in it: in the end three sons, including Hugh Fraser, 1st Baron Fraser of Allander, did so and the business continued to develop.[1]