Bowring Brothers Ltd. (or simply Bowring) was a Newfoundland-based operator of retail stores, that, after Newfoundland became part of Canada, expanded its operation and narrowed its focus to gifts and home decor throughout Canada.
Bowring was engaged in Newfoundland's commerce for over 200 years, with various operations across the globe at its peak.[1]
History
Bowring was formed in 1811 as a private company by Benjamin Bowring and his family, who had just moved to St. John's, Newfoundland. Benjamin Bowring, an English clockmaker, set up shop in that business, while his wife Charlotte established a dry goods store which evolved into a large department store on Water Street.[2] Bowring Brothers became shipowners, fish and general merchants, and steamship agents. In the late 19th century, the Bowring Brothers chartered the ship Nelly, captained by Robert Austin Sheppard (1865–1909), to carry fish to ports in Pernambuco, Brazil and Sydney, New South Wales.[3][4]