 In 1886 a 21-year-old William Benzie took over the management of a drapery business in Mid Street, Fraserburgh called "The Colosseum".Within a year he had set up shop in Buckie with his own store, but was asked to take over the business in Fraserburgh from Mitchell & Co, and sold the Buckie business shortly afterwards.In 1896 William built a new shop on the opposite side of the street as the business was expanding, and in 1898 a powerplant was installed to provide the store with electric light - a first for Fraserburgh.