HOLT, RENFREW & COMPANY

Holt, Renfrew is a department store based in Toronto, Canada.  In the years of the 19th century, Holt Renfrew built their reputation on their fine furs, but in the mid 20th Century they became as well known for their fine fashions.

The store traces its roots back to 1837, when William Samuel Henderson joined retailer Ashton and Co in Quebec City.  In 1837, Henderson bought controlling interest in the business, and renamed it after himself.  In 1852, the store was sold to William's brother John, who took on G. R. Renfrew as a partner in 1860.  By this time the store has gained a reputation as a leading retailer of furs.  John Holt bought Henderson's share of the company in 1897, and the company was eventually remaned Holt, Renfrew and Company (1908).

Queen Victoria appointed Holt, Renfrew as "Furrier to her Majesty" in 1886, and this began a long run of the company holding the Royal Warrant.  The company's prestiege was also heightened in the 1930s when the store began selling clothes from Paris designers.

Today, Holt, Renfrew has nine stores across Canada.  They are known for carrying quality goods, and for, of course, their furs.