In 1830 a gentleman by the name of Mr. Todd opened a shop on Saint Patrick’s Street. Over the years the store expanded and prospered and was known as Todd’s, Carmichael and Company and J. Carmichael and Company. It was privatized in 1877 and became known as Cash and Company Ltd., but to all Corkonians it was known as Cash’s. This store was also destroyed by fire in the burning of Cork. A new store was built on the same site with an elegant façade of Little Island limestone. Cash and Co became part of the Switzer Group in 1962. During the 70s and 80s there were various changes of ownership and in April 1991 the store was purchased by Brown Thomas. Extensive expansion and refurbishment took place and it was officially renamed Brown Thomas on 27th March 1998. It has always retained its reputation as one of the most stylish and exclusive shops in Cork.
Cash’s is mentioned in an old and largely forgotten Cork lullaby.
I’ll buy my baby stockings
I’ll but my baby shoes
I’ll but my baby stockings
And I’ll send her off to school
She was the doll in Cash’s window
She was the doll in Cash’s oh
She was the doll in Cash’s window
No one knows my own babog (Irish word for a baby)