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As a child growing up in Guyana (then British Guiana) Wm Fogarty as a name that you became familiar with from your first step. That applied to your parents and grandparents. Fogarty's Store was there at that time and will still be here for generations to come.
From time to time, you wonder where the Fogarty's Store came from? Who established it? What really is the relevance of Fogarty's Store that is always present in your life, one that you will look forward to visiting and being assured of the best quality of goods and services.
Here is a peek into the History of Fogarty's Store
In 1885, an Irishman, Mr. William Fogarty, visited Barbados for health reasons. After a while, he set up a business there, which did not go well. Sometime later he came to British Guiana, as it was then called. Seeing that this country has possibilities of doing business, he then ventured to Ireland and bought merchandise, which he started selling using a Donkey Cart. At that time, he employed an old man to assist him in selling his goods.
Being a visionary and businessman with a flourishing business, he realized that it was time to get his own place to sell his merchandise. He purchased a brick building at 21 Water Street, Georgetown and later at 20 Water Street, where he set up his Wholesale Department Store. In 1892, William Fogarty business started in the then British Guiana. By 1906, the business was a demanding and flourishing one, so he expanded and purchased the Philharmonic Hall, where the fist retail store was housed.
In 1911, Mr. Fogarty purchased the property at 34-37 Water Street, Georgetown. William Fogarty Limited was then registered as a private Company in British Guiana.
On 23rd February, 1945 that black Friday, fire destroyed many businesses in Water Street including the Fogarty's Building; that did not deter Mr. Fogarty from rebuilding his business. On October 19, 1950 the new building that is the present Store, reopened its doors to the public with 24 Departments.
In 1987, the Laparkan Group of Companies, a large Guyanese-owned and operated consortium, acquired William Fogarty Limited.
The William Fogarty's Store houses a number of Departments and provides a wide range of services including - Supermarket, Supermart, Pharmacy, Gift Shoppe, Cafeteria, Ready-Wear, Home Furnishing, Electronics/Home Appliances, Travel Agency, Office Supplies, Money Transfer Agency, Cambio and Consumer Lending.
At present, the William Fogarty's Store operates three branches in the Berbice region at New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton.
When at Fogarty's Store in Water Street, did it occur to you that your Grandparents were at one time standing where you are? It is highly probable.
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