Thomas, John (1898)
Thomas, John
Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales; furniture maker (fl.1898)
John Thomas was the manager of the South Wales Furnishers branch in Llanelli. When it closed in 1898 he set up his own shop, announcing its opening with a strident newspaper notice: ‘DEATH TO THE HIRE SYSTEM Open Your Eyes! Young and Old! Why Pay Commission to Travellers when you can Purchase direct HOME-MADE GOODS at the shop? Buy Your Furniture for Cash’. This was a swipe at the hire purchase system which was gaining ground at that time. Thomas advertised low prices, with bedroom and parlour suites under £5. He offered not only new-made furniture but repairs and re-upholstery in his own workshop.
Source: Bebb, Welsh Furniture (2007), II, p. 334-35.