Street traders and their carts at Sharp's Lane in Anderston, c 1910.
Street traders were a common sight in Glasgow streets. Carts (or "barrows") were hired out by individuals such as the famous Maggie McIver and firms such as R Young & Co, to traders who would generally sell their wares at prices below those charged in shops. As the street traders did not have to pay rates and other overheads, their competition was resented by shopkeepers.
The notoriously unpredictable Glasgow weather had a major influence on the barrow trade, as potential customers were driven from the streets and traders' goods could be ruined by a sudden downpour.
Reference: P-668
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
barrows, carters, carting contractors, carts, children, R Young & Co, shawls, street traders, streetscenes, women