Larne switched to American retailing

It was described as a “complete reversal of the principles of hire purchase”.

The outlet was to be located in a warehouse at Fairhill, formerly owned by Maguire’s, a home furnisher.

Partner LJ McCalmont, from Whitehead, told the East Antrim Times, in August 1965: “We are providing the housewives with a modern way of buying goods, not just furniture but all household requirements.”

He insisted that customers were willing to move away from hire purchase saying: “Instead of long drawn out payments, we can offer people quick sales with reductions on a marked price.” of up to one third.

“We do not expect all our customers to carry their goods away with them. We can arrange delivery for them.”