Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-24
(Norxieh suIlstin, March a, 1s11

Connecticut is not only known the world over as the home of statesmen and nberty-loving citizens; but 1t en- joys the further distinction of having provided the training school in mer- chandising that has sent Its graduates into fame and success into many or the largest states of the country. One of the agencies which has contributed to the commanding position of Connecti- cut in the school of commerce was the establishment. by James Hislop' Johh Porteous and Archibald Mitchell, of the business now conducted by The For teous & Mitchell Company of this city and which is this week commemoratlng the forty fourth anniversary of its cs- tablishment. During the almost half a century that has marked the span of business activity of Messrs. PorteouS & Mitchell, there has gone forth into the marts of trade any number of enter prising young men who received treir business training under the tutelage Of the founders of the business, and whU have achieved success either as mcr- chants conducting their own establish ments or in managerial positions of responsibility.
 It was in March, 1873 that the bus- mess of The Porteous & Mitchell Co. was founded and the history of it's growth and progress is one of the TO- rnances of American commercial suc- cess. The first years business, while satisfactory, was necessarily somewhat
 
 cause of the progressive methods adopted, the store proSpered from the start. They introduced the "one price to all system" a policy which was prac- tically unknown in merchandising in Norwich, up to the time of the com ing of the young merchants. They further saw to it that every customer got a square deal" and they had the strength of character to be honest in the days when storekeeping honesty was not common, and the genius and necessary to successful selling. It was not long before the original store was too small for the rapidly growing bus mess. One addition followed another, cululinating in 1906, when the present store was developed, giving them the largest department store in eastern Connecticut.
 Advantageous Buying Connections.
 Messers Porteous & Mitchell are now interested in three stores, the other two being located, respectively, in Grand Rapids, Michr and Portland, Me. It Is not only by these several branch stores that the company has in creased it's buying capacity; they are bership in the Dry Goods Union of New York city, with a central office at 432 Fourth Avenue. This is one of the largest organizations of its kind in moro than twelve millions Of dollars annually
 Complete Stocks of Merchandise.
 But while The Porteous & Mitchell Company is recognized as the largest business institution of its kind in east ern Connecticut, it is not its great size alone that interests the buying public. Rather, it is the variety and character ot the stocks of merchandise which it carries that has the greatest appealing force.5 While The Porteous & Mitchell compauyss store has not spread out int GH H diverse ltY7eR have some of the metropolitan department stores, yet there has been the broadest possible development in nerShandis- features. There is everything in home furnishings, including rugs, drs2aries and kitcflenware5 household linens, accessories that are in daily need. In wonen's and caildren's apparel, mi1l.- E nery and boys clothing, The Porteous & Mitchell company has a reputation that is unexcelled-
 Of Enteres. to Men.
 The store caters to men as we'll as women and has a splendidly equipped mems department with a separate en- trance. The display of mems wear is unusually complete. The. Porteous & Mitchell company specializes in mems : tom made. and in addition to their clothing line, which includes the pro- duct of some Of the best makers in the country, they are lOCdI agents 1Or 1ne Royal .TaiIors custom-made clothing, Stein Bloch smart clothes, and The P. & M. special hat. Men who are not regular patrons of this branch of the companys business will be surprised and delighted by a visit to The Mems Store,e during the anniversary celebra- ton. sss5 sass
 Congratulations on Anniversary.
 In addition to the large patronage which The Porteous & Mitchell com pany enjoys from the many thousands who visit the store during the course of a year, they also do an extensive business by mail and telephone. Orders Sby mail are given careful attention by Experienced shoppers, thereby insuring satisfactory service. ? During their long business career in Norwich, both adessrs- Pofteons and Mitchell have left the irnpreSs of their character on the conarnunity and will receive heart fest contradictions upon their forty fourth business anniversary and will have cordial good wishes from every one for their tontinued success and