Burton always claimed that his business began as early as 1900, but at that point his career was beginning in a more typical way, with him peddling accessories from door to door. In 1901 he was living at 1 Saltersgate, Chesterfield, and three years later - in November 1904, according to a surviving fire insurance policy - he opened a shop at the rear, at 20 Holywell Cross.

The first purchase of ready-made suits was recorded on 8 June 1905 in the sales ledger of Zimmerman Bros, wholesale clothiers, of Leeds. Regular purchases followed. The mark-up on retail prices is estimated to have been in the region of 30%.

By 1906 Burton began to establish a chain of shops, first at Mansfield and then in Sheffield, offering both ready-to-wear and bespoke suits.

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