Shaws Department Stores is an Irish department store chain founded by Henry Shaw in 1864. It began as a small drapery shop in Mountmellick, County Laois.[1] The business was operated by Henry Shaw and his wife, Annie.[7] After opening shops in Portlaoise and Athy, the business was registered as a limited company in 1934.[8]
During the early to mid 20th century, the business was controlled by William Henry Shaw and then Samuel Shaw.[7] In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, brothers Mervyn, Trevor and Billy Shaw controlled the business.[9]
Shaws opened a shop in Carlow in 1949.[10]